The National Archives Celebrates Independence Day, July 4, 2022
In 2022, the National Archives once again hosted a live celebration of Independence Day in Washington, DC. Visitors from across the nation filled the Constitution Avenue steps to hear special guests and cheer the ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy this selection of photographs from this special day.
On the evening of July 3, 2022, the National Archives Building was illuminated with red, white, and blue lights in honor of the Independence Day holiday. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
The Experience Band and Show started off the 2022 July 4 celebration on the steps of the National Archives Building. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Spectators gather on the steps of the National Archives Building on Constitution Avenue for the July 4 celebration. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
The Fife and Drum Corps of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, performed at the National Archives July 4 celebration. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
The Fife and Drum Corps of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, performed at the National Archives July 4 celebration. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
The audience on the steps of the National Archives Building enjoy the celebration. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
An actor portraying George Washington addresses the crowd at the National Archives. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Visitors sign a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence in the Boeing Learning Center at the National Archives. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Acting Archivist of the United States Debra Steidel Wall speaks at the July 4 celebration at the National Archives. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
The dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence featured actors portraying John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
The crowd cheers the reading of the Declaration at the National Archives. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
An actor portraying Boston shipbuilder James Forten leads the crowd in "Huzzahs" for the Declaration of Independence. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
If you missed the live ceremony at the National Archives, you can watch the recording on our YouTube channel.