Independence Day at the National Archives
#ArchivesJuly4
People all over the country share the holiday on social media using the hashtag #ArchivesJuly4.
Family Activities and Downloads
Remember to share what you make with us on social media using the hashtag ##ArchivesJuly4.
Crafts
Cooking Activities
Activities
- 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
- Sign the Declaration of Independence Online
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)
Memories of the 2022 Celebration
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)