National Archives Celebrates July 4th!
Press Release · Sunday, July 3, 2005

Washington, DC

WHAT:
The National Archives will celebrate the 229th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program. The theme of this year's annual program is "Declaration Days: National Archives Family Weekend 4th of July Celebration."

The two day-long program will include patriotic music, a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by military veterans, and exciting free family activities and entertainment for all ages.

WHEN:
Sunday, July 3, 2005 and Monday, July 4, 2005, 11 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Monday, July 4, 2005 - Ceremony: 10 A.M.-11 A.M.
Family activities will be held in the late morning and afternoon
See the National Archives website for the full schedule: www.archives.gov

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

"Declaration Days" at the National Archives is made possible through the generous support of John Hancock Life Insurance Company.

PROGRAM INFORMATION:

Declaration Days: National Archives Family Weekend 4th of July Celebration

This popular family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the Constitution Avenue steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Highlights of the morning program and family activities that will be held throughout "Declaration Days" include:

Monday, July 4

10 a.m.–11 a.m.
On the Constitution Avenue Steps

A Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Reading ceremony to include:

• Presentation of Colors
• Performance by the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry "Old Guard" Fife and Drum Corps
• Video Presentation – "Declaring Our Freedom"
• Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center – Honored disabled veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom

Noon–4 p.m.
Visit with special historical guests including John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Susan B. Anthony, Benjamin Franklin, Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman and Ned Hector

Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4

11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Activities throughout the National Archives Experience

• Draw Your Dream of America—Constitution Avenue Lobby
• Sign the Declaration of Independence—Constitution Avenue Lobby
• Place Your Seal on the Treaty of Alliance—O'Brien Gallery Lobby
• Hunt for Treasure—Public Vaults Lobby
• Write a Secret Message—East Rotunda Gallery

Performances in the William G. McGowan Theater

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

The Hildebrands - "Colonial Music"

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

Joan Gatturna - "Petticoat Patriot"

Performances in the Presidential Conference Rooms

12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. (Washington Room)

Bruce Harris - "Peter Salem – Fighting in the Hope of Freedom"

2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. (Jefferson Room)

Michael Lasser - "Shedding Grace—The Story of Our National Anthems"

3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. (Washington Room)

Hector Diaz - "General Bernardo de Galvez"

4:30–5:30 (Jefferson Room)

History Is a Hoot "Seeing Isn't Always Believing: The Use of Trickery and Deception in Espionage"

All programs are free, open to the public, and take place at the National Archives Building on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Visit www.archives.gov for updated information on all National Archives public programs.

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For more information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-501-5526.

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