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National Archives Hosts Fourth of July Celebration
Press Release · Tuesday, June 22, 2004

Washington, DC

Press Release
June 22, 2004

 

National Archives Hosts Fourth of July Celebration

WHAT: The National Archives will celebrate the 228th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program. The program includes a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by General George Washington and a special performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry "Old Guard" Fife and Drum Corps. Exciting entertainment and free family activities for all ages will be held throughout the day. Exhibition Hall Hours: 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Special Extended hours Saturday, July 3, when the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom will stay open from 10 a.m. until Midnight.

WHEN:
Sunday, July 4, 2004,
Ceremony: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.;
Exhibits and Family Activities:
11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
WHERE:
The Constitution Avenue steps of the National Archives between 7th and 9th Streets, NW
Space will be reserved for the electronic media

EVENT INFORMATION: Democracy Starts Here – The National Archives 4th of July Celebration

This popular family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the Constitution Avenue steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Highlights:

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Ceremony

  • Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by General George Washington

  • Special performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry "Old Guard" Fife and Drum Corps

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Exhibits and Activities in the National Archives Building

  • View the Original Charters of Freedom including the Declaration of Independence.

  • Sign a replica of the Declaration of Independence

  • Meet Historical Figures of 1776: Adams, Franklin, Jefferson and soldier Ned Hector portrayed by "Time Travelers" from the nationally acclaimed acting troupe of the American Historical Theatre mingle with the crowd and describe their roles in American history.

  • Preview the "Public Vaults" (the National Archives interactive exhibition opening November 2004)

  • Check out National History Day winning exhibits and documentaries

  • Register to vote (The League of Women Voters)

  • Meet children’s authors Syl Sobel, Rebecca Jones and others at the Archives book fair and signings.

  • View the special exhibit on the 150th Anniversary of the Treaty of Kanagawa (the first treaty between any Western nation and Japan)

  • View special display of documents from the "Brown vs. Board of Education" case

Stay and enjoy front row seats for America's 2004 Independence Day Parade following the ceremony.

# # #

For more information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-501-5526 or 301-837-1700.

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