Annual July 4th Celebration at the National Archives Building

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Celebrate July 4th at the National Archives Building on the Constitution Avenue steps between 7th and 9th Streets. We commemorate this historic day with with Steve Scully of C-SPAN as emcee and our annual dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. 

10 a.m.–11 a.m.
Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony

•   Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard*
•   Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps*
•   Remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero
•   Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Ned Hector (portrayed by historical reenactors)

*Continental Color Guard and Fife and Drum Corps provided by U.S. 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard

11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Inside the National Archives Building, Boeing Learning Center

•   Take part in hands-on family activities, including storytime and crafts.
•   Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., meet Revolutionary figures: Abigail and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.

July 4th at the National Archives is presented in partnership with the Foundation for the National Archives and is made possible in part by the generous support of Lead Sponsor John Hancock Financial and Dykema.