Independence Day at the National Archives
#ArchivesJuly4
Share the holiday on social media using the hashtag #ArchivesJuly4.
The National Archives marks the 247th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional in-person Fourth of July program! Highlights include welcoming remarks by Archivist of the United States, a variety of educational and family-friendly interactive programs with historical figures and Archives educators, and a lively, patriotic reading ceremony emceed by WUSA9 News Anchor Allison Seymour. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The full schedule of events (from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 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
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 2023 Celebration
Crowds fill the Consititution Avenue steps on a hot 4th of July at the National Archives in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2023. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan (center, red dress) is joined by historical reenactors, keynote speaker Doug Williams (right of the Archivist, tan suit), National Archives Foundation Chairman Gov. James Blanchard, Foundation Executive Director Patrick Madden, and others in the Rotunda at the National Archives in Washington, DC, on July 4, 2023. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Visitors examine the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July at the National Archives in Washington DC. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
National Archives Foundation President Patrick Madden, keynote speaker Doug Williams, WUSA9 News Anchor Allison Seymour, Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, National Archives Foundation Chair Gov. James J. Blanchard, and Vice Chair Secretary Rodney E. Slater at the 4th of July celebration at the National Archives in Washington, DC. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
The Color Guard of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, 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)
Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan makes remarks during the 4th of July program at the National Archives in Washington, DC. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Doug Williams, Senior Advisor to President of the Washington Commanders football team, delivers the keynote speech during the 4th of July program at the National Archives in Washington, DC. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Historical reenactors portraying Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin read the Declaration of the Independence during the 4th of July program at the National Archives in Washington, DC. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
An actor portraying Boston shipbuilder James Forten leads the crowd in "Huzzahs" for the Declaration of Independence and "Boos" for the grievances against the King. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
An actor portraying Ned Hector reads the names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence during the 4th of July program at the National Archives in Washington, DC. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Soprano Millicent Scarlett sings the Star Spangled Banner on the 4th of July at the National Archives in Washington, DC. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)