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 244th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program in a far less traditional manner—online! 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 current educators, and a lively, patriotic reading ceremony emceed by journalist Soledad O’Brien. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public, but registration is required. The full schedule can be found at www.archivesjuly4.org/
July 4th at the National Archives is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation with the generous support of John Hancock and AARP.
Family Activities and Downloads
- Craft Activities
- Cooking Activities
- Coloring/Activity Book
- Faulkner Mural Coloring Page
- Printable Declaration of Independence
Founders Online
Read the actual words written by our nation's founders on Founders Online.
- 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
- Thomas Jefferson's notes on macaroni (1789)
July 4th at the National Archives is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation with the generous support of John Hancock, Dykema, WMATA, and Boies Schiller Flexner.