On Thursday, July 4, 2024, the National Archives will celebrate the 248th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional in-person Fourth of July program featuring musical performances and family activities.

“On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed our nation's independence from Great Britain and set forth the ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy. It is a day to reflect on how far we have come as a nation and to recommit ourselves to these ideals,” said Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan.  “As the home of the Declaration and our other founding documents, the National Archives is proud to play our part in preserving, protecting and sharing our nation's history and heritage. We welcome everyone to come celebrate with us.”

Patriotic Shopping at the National Archives Tent Store on Constitution Avenue
8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Live Musical Performance by The Experience Band and Show
9 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony
10 a.m.–11 a.m.
Greetings by WUSA9 News Anchor Allison Seymour
Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard*
Live performance of the national anthem by the Marymount University Chamber Singers directed by Dr. Kimberly Hess
Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps*
Remarks by Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan
Keynote Speech by CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass, USAF (Retired)
Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by costumed interpreters  portraying historical characters, including Abigail Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Forten, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington
Live performance of “America the Beautiful” by Millicent Scarlett, Soprano
 Continental Color Guard and Fife and Drum Corps provided by U.S. 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard.
Live Musical Performance by The Experience Band and Show
11 a.m.–11:45 a.m.
Stay and enjoy front-row seats for the National Independence Day Parade at 11:45 a.m.
Family Activities
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Participate in hands-on family activities:
Sign the Declaration of Independence
Declaring Independence Scavenger Hunt
Make your own Independence Day button
Fun craft activity stations
Meet and have your picture taken with Revolutionary figures Abigail and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Ned Hector, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington between noon and 4 p.m.
And a whole lot more!

Location: National Archives Building, Constitution Avenue steps
Between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, Dc