Come One, Come All and Hear our Declaration of Independence

For many Americans, Independence Day celebrations wind down after the fireworks on the Fourth of July.  Who ever heard of celebrating the Eighth of July?  We did!  July 8, 1776 also plays a special role in our history.  On that day, Colonel John Nixon of Philadelphia read a printed Declaration of Independence to the public for the first time on what is now called Independence Square.  Independence National Historical Park is fortunate to have one of these first printed copies on display in the Great Essentials Exhibit, which also houses rare printings of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution.  The Friends of Independence appreciate the value of this display and have generously agreed to work with the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution to upgrade and improve the exhibit cases that house these national treasures.

We commemorate July 8 each year with a re-enactment of Col. Nixon’s reading.  I invite you all to join us this year on July 8 at 11:30 am (for a noon reading) on Independence Square.  Join the costumed park rangers as they respond to the public reading with cheers – or jeers!  Listen to what the crowd says and chose your own loyalty!

Every year on July 8, Independence NHP re-enacts this momentous occasion in history because this is when the Declaration of Independence was first heard by the citizenry of the United States of America – by “we the people.” Not everyone was in favor of this declaration – some shouted out their support for the revolution, but others remained loyal to the crown and expressed their fear for what would become of these insurgents! And they let their opinions be known to Colonel Nixon as he spoke the treasonous words. 

Come out on July 8 to the south side of Independence Hall to join our costumed National Park Service Rangers.  You will meet Loyalist and Patriots who will share their views on the Declaration of Independence and you can receive your own copy of one of the most important documents in America.  Costumed characters will be available for questions and photographs.

Where:           Independence Square, near the Statue of Commodore John Barry, behind the secure area

When:             Friday, July 8

Time:              Introduction by a park ranger starting at 11:30 a.m.

                        Declaration reading promptly at noon

Independence NHP hopes you will join us in our celebration of July 8^th.  Below are some photographs from previous years’ re-enactments.

-          Jane Cowley

Public Affairs Officer for Independence National Historical Park