Press/Journalists

National Archives Hosts Fourth of July Celebration
Press Release · Wednesday, May 3, 2000

Washington, DC

WHAT:

The National Archives will celebrate the 224th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program. The program includes patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence and a demonstration of colonial military maneuvers.

WHEN:

Tuesday, July 4, 2000, 10 A.M.

WHERE:

Constitution Avenue steps, National Archives Building Between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC.
Space will be reserved for the electronic media.

This popular family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Highlights of the program are:

 

  • Betsy Ross, Abigail Adams, Patrick Henry and George Washington, "Time Travelers" from the nationally-acclaimed acting troupe of the American Historical Theatre, will mingle with the crowd and describe their roles in American History.

     

  • Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Constitution Avenue steps.

     

  • Performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps.

     

  • Representing the Continental Line will be Colonial units from Maryland and Virginia. The Crown forces will be represented by Highland units.

In the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, the original, signed Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights will be flanked by a joint honor guard representing the military services. The impressive changing of the guard ceremony will take place in the Rotunda every 30 minutes from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M.

Also on display are two exhibitions, "Treasures of Congress" and Part II of "Picturing the Century: 100 Years of Photography from the National Archives. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the move of the Congress to Washington, DC, "Treasures of Congress" showcases the central roles that the House and Senate have played, by taking visitors behind the scenes into the halls and conference rooms of the Capitol during crucial turning points in American history. It is on display in the Rotunda through February 19, 2001. "Picturing the Century" is a unique photographic exhibition chronicling the major events of the last 100 years selected from the National Archives priceless collection of over 9 million photographs. Through July 4, 2001, in the Circular Gallery.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

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