All you need to know to plan your celebration!

View photo highlights from the 2017 celebrations here.

Stay tuned for 2018 updates on extended museum hours, the National Archives Store tent, public programming, special events, performances, and more! 

Wednesday, July 4th: On the National Archives steps on Constitution Avenue NW

8 - 9:30 AM 
Special July 4 FREE T-shirt Giveaway- First 1,000 guests to join us for the Reading Ceremony will receive a special July 4th Celebration T-shirt.

9 - 9:45 AM 
Live musical performance by Brass Connection

10 AM 
Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony, including:

• Greetings by master of ceremonies Allison Seymour, Fox 5 News Anchor
• Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard*
• Performance of the National Anthem
• Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps*
• Remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero
• Keynote remarks
• Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by reenactors portraying historical characters, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abigail Adams, John Dunlap, John Hancock, and Ned Hector
• Performance of "America the Beautiful"

*Continental Color Guard and Fife and Drum Corps provided by U.S. 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard.

11 - 11:45 AM 
Live musical performance by Brass Connection

11:45 AM 
National Independence Day Parade