Independence Day at the National Archives
#ArchivesJuly4
Share the holiday on social media using the hashtag #ArchivesJuly4.
Every July 4, the National Archives marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional in-person Independence Day program! Highlights include welcoming remarks by Archivist of the United States, a variety of educational and family-friendly interactive programs with historical figures and Archives educators, and a lively, patriotic reading ceremony. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The full schedule of events can be found at www.archivesjuly4.org.
July 4th at the National Archives is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of Comcast Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, John Hancock, and Dykema.
Family Activities and Downloads
Remember to share what you make with us on social media using the hashtag ##ArchivesJuly4.
Crafts
Cooking Activities
Activities
- Coloring/Activity Book
- Faulkner Mural of the Declaration of Independence Coloring Page
- Faulkner Mural of the U.S. Constitution—Remember the Ladies Coloring Page
- Printable Declaration of Independence
- Sign the Declaration of Independence Online
Founders Online
Read the actual words written by our nation's founders on Founders Online.
- [The Stamp Act, 1765] from the Autobiography of John Adams
- To Benjamin Franklin from a Committee of Boston Merchants, December 29, 1769
- Indictment and Arraignment of Preston, The Soldiers, and The Civilians: March, September 7, 1770
- General Orders, December 30, 1775
- Letter from Phillis Wheatley to George Washington, October 26, 1775
- Letter from George Washington to Phillis Wheatley, February 28, 1776
- Letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams, March 31, 1776
- Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776
- Letter from George Washington to John Hancock, July 3, 1776
- Letter from John Adams to Samuel Chase, July 9, 1776
- Bill Concerning Inoculation for Smallpox, December 1777
- Thomas Jefferson's notes on macaroni (1789)
Memories of the 2024 Celebration
The National Archives on July 4, 2024, in Washington, DC. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan is interviewed by WUSA9 news anchor Allison Seymour, along with Ben Franklin. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
National Archives Foundation board members Rodney Slater and A'Lelia Bundles chat on the portico of the National Archives Building while the Experience Band performs on the stage below, July 4, 2024. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
WUSA9 News Anchor Allison Seymour moderated the July 4, 2024, program in Washington, DC, at the National Archives. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
The Pledge of Allegiance at the National Archives July 4, 2024, program in Washington, DC. 2(National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
The the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, Fife and Drum Corps perform at the National Archives July 4, 2024, program in Washington, DC, on Constitution Avenue NW. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
The the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, Fife and Drum Corps perform at the National Archives July 4, 2024, program in Washington, DC, on Constitution Avenue NW. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Historical reenactor Thomas Jefferson pauses to give a young spectator a high-five following the program at the National Archives in Washington, DC on July 4, 2024. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)George Washington
Keynote speaker CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass, USAF (Retired) makes remarks during the July 4, 2024, program at the National Archives in Washington, DC. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)
Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan and National Archives Foundation board members and staff pose with reenactors representing John Hancock, James Forten, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abigail Adams, John Adams, Benjmin Franklin, and Ned Hector in the National Archives Rotunda on July 4, 2024. (National Archives photo by Susana Raab)