On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence inside the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia. Four days later, on July 8, 1776, after the Declaration was printed and distributed, the citizens of Philadelphia were summoned to the State House Yard by the bells of the city. Then, Colonel John Nixon publicly read the Declaration of Independence.

Led by America250 Hawaii, Americans in all 50 States and 5 Territories, the District of Columbia, and Minor Outlying Islands of the United States will read the Declaration of Independence together on July 8, 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the date of its first public reading. Join us on the steps of the Great Falls Civic Center as we participate in this nationwide commemoration.