Independence Day at the National Archives
#ArchivesJuly4
People all over the country share the holiday on social media using the hashtag #ArchivesJuly4.
The National Archives marks the 245th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program both online and in person! Highlights include welcoming remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, a variety of educational and family-friendly interactive programs with historical figures and Archives educators, and a lively, patriotic reading ceremony emceed by journalist Soledad O’Brien. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The full schedule can be found at www.archivesjuly4.org.
July 4th with the National Archives is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of John Hancock, AARP, and Dykema.
Family Activities and Downloads
Remember to share what you make with us on social media using the hashtag ##ArchivesJuly4.
Crafts & Activities
- Calligraphy Sheet
- Patriotic Drum
- Patriotic Windsock
- Coloring/Activity Book
- Faulkner Mural of the Declaration of Independence Coloring Page
- Faulkner Mural of the U.S. Constitution—Remember the Ladies Coloring Page
- Printable Declaration of Independence
Cooking Activities
Founders Online
Read the actual words written by our nation's founders on Founders Online.
- [The Stamp Act, 1765] from the Autobiography of John Adams
- To Benjamin Franklin from a Committee of Boston Merchants, December 29, 1769
- Indictment and Arraignment of Preston, The Soldiers, and The Civilians: March, September 7, 1770
- General Orders, December 30, 1775
- Letter from Phillis Wheatley to George Washington, October 26, 1775
- Letter from George Washington to Phillis Wheatley, February 28, 1776
- Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, March 31, 1776
- Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776
- Letter from George Washington to John Hancock, July 3, 1776
- Letter from John Adams to Samuel Chase, July 9, 1776
- Bill Concerning Inoculation for Smallpox, December 1777
- Letter from George Washington to Esther De Berdt Reed, 14 July 1780
- Thomas Jefferson's notes on macaroni (1789)