Despite Flooding, National Archives to Host Fourth of July Celebration
Press Release · Thursday, June 29, 2006

WHAT: The National Archives will celebrate the 230th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program. The theme of this year’s annual program is "July Fourth: An American Original."

The celebration will include remarks by the Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein, patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and exciting free family activities and entertainment for all ages.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 4, 2006, Ceremony: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Family activities: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE: The Ceremony will take place on the Constitution Ave. steps, National Archives Building between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC.
Space will be reserved for the electronic media.
Family Activities will take place on the Pennsylvania Ave. NW side of the building.

"July Fourth: An American Original" at the National Archives is made possible in part by the generous support of John Hancock Financial Services.

Given damage caused by recent flooding, the National Archives Building exhibit halls will be closed on July 4.

PROGRAM INFORMATION:

This popular family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the Constitution Avenue steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Highlights of the morning ceremony and family activities that will be held throughout the day include:

Ceremony 10 a.m.–11 a.m.

• Presentation of Colors by the Continental Color Guard
• Performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps
• Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Ned Hector, Town Crier William Joseph, and two Operation Iraqi Freedom wounded veterans from Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Family activities on Pennsylvania Ave., NW (in a special tent) 11a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Sign the Declaration of Independence
  See what it is like to be a part of history by signing a giant copy of the Declaration of Independence!
• Wagons West!
  Decorate your very own covered wagon, just like what Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family used to cross the prairie. Make sure to stock it with all the supplies you would need on your journey!
• Stake Your Claim
  Did you know that the pioneers could get land to build their homes on just by filling out a form for the government? Fill out a copy of the Homestead Act just like a pioneer would have, and then mark your homestead on the map!
• Draw Your Dream of America
  What is your favorite thing about America? Is it your school? Is it the park near your house? Could it be the Grand Canyon or the Statue of Liberty? Maybe it is all of those things! Draw a picture showing what you love most about America.
• National Archives Experience Temporary Tattoos
  Show off where you spent America's 230th birthday with a temporary National Archives Experience tattoo!

Please note: there will be a sign language interpreter for the ceremony.

For information about the operational status of the National Archives downtown DC building, please see: www.archives.gov. New information will be posted as it becomes available.

# # #

For more information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 301- 837-1700.

06-120

Top of Page