Celebrate July 4th at the National Archives in DC, Nationwide, and Online!
Media Alert · Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Washington, DC

Events in DC and at Presidential Libraries, and special online social media opportunities

The National Archives celebrates the 238th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with special events in Washington, DC, at Presidential Libraries nationwide, and online.

Celebrate Independence Day in Washington, DC

WHAT:

WHEN:

WHERE:

The National Archives Building is fully accessible. There will be a sign-language interpreter for the ceremony.

Program Information

July 4th at the National Archives in Washington, DC

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.
Watch live on YouTube

Sign the Declaration of Independence
8 – 9:30 a.m.

• Sign a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence on 7th Street and Constitution Avenue.

Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony
10 – 11 a.m.

• Ceremony emcee, C-SPAN host Steve Scully.
• Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard.*
• Performance of “America the Beautiful” by four-time international whistling champion Christopher Ullman.
• National Anthem led by the United States Navy Band Anthem Vocalist.
• Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps.*
• Remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero.
• Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by special guests including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Ned Hector (portrayed by historical reenactors).

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

Stay and enjoy front row seats for the National Independence Day Parade at 11:45 a.m.

Family Activities
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Inside the National Archives Museum, Boeing Learning Center

• Participate in a variety of hands-on family activities including crafts and story time.
• Taste American Heritage Chocolate® in the Visitor Orientation Plaza.
• Between noon and 2 p.m., meet Abigail and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.

Related Book Talk: Liberty's Torch: The Great Adventure to Build the Statue of Liberty
Wednesday, July 2, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
The Statue of Liberty has become one of the most recognizable monuments in the world: a symbol of freedom and the American Dream. But the story of the creation of the statue has been obscured by myth. Author Elizabeth Mitchell tells definitive, extraordinary story of the building of the Statue of liberty and dispels the myths around its creation. A book signing will follow the program.

Celebrate July 4th at National Archives Presidential Libraries

HERBERT HOOVER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY-Museum, WEST BRANCH, IA
On Friday, July 4, at 2 PM., the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum will host a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Samuel Adams (Reverend Richard Paulus), on the front lawn of the museum. Following the reading, the Eastern Iowa Brass Band will perform a concert of patriotic music.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum
In celebration of Independence Day, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum is offering free admission all day.

Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, Yorba Linda, CA
The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda is celebrating with three days of fun-filled events and musical performances on Friday, July 4th, Saturday, July 5th and Sunday, July 6th. Guests will see the special summertime exhibit Play Ball! Presidents and Baseball, take photos with President George Washington and enjoy an All-American BBQ!

Friday, July 4th:

• FREE miniature American flags to the first 100 kids.
• Meet President Washington all day long.
• Enjoy BBQ burgers from Yorba Linda Boy Scouts.
• Explore what it’s like to be a firefighter with a display from the OC Fire Authority.
• 10:45 AM: Catch a thrilling Frisbee dog show.
• 12 PM: Experience marvelous melodies from the fan-favorite Placentia Symphonic Band.
• 1:30 PM: Book talk by former Congressman James Rogan, author of And Then I Met.

Saturday, July 5th:

• Meet President Washington all day long.
• 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM: The Band of the California Battalion will play vintage Civil War-era classics.

Sunday, July 6th:

• Benjamin Franklin joins President Washington all day long!
• 12:30 PM: FREE concert by the Huntington Beach Concert Band.

Free admission all weekend to Little Leaguers and Softball Players in uniform and their immediate families. All events are included with regular admission. The Library is open 10 AM to 5 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.

FOR COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES:
Joe Lopez at 714-364-1147 or joe@nixonfoundation.org
Jonathan Movroydis at 714-364-1126 or jmovroydis@gmail.com

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, SIMI VALLEY, CA

To celebrate our Nation’s 238th birthday, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is hosting a day full of family-fun activities. This year’s celebration includes patriotic concerts, family entertainment, games, crafts, and more. All outdoor activities are free; admission rates apply to view the Reagan Museum, Air Force One Pavilion and Baseball! The Exhibition.

For more information call (800) 410-8354 or visit www.reaganlibrary.com/events. For press requests and coverage opportunities, please contact Melissa Giller at (805) 522-2977.

Schedule of events:

10am-3pm: Children’s crafts; carnival and picnic games; mingle with Betsy Ross; have your picture taken with presidential re-enactors

10am-12pm: Musical performance by the Good Times Band

10am-2pm: Portrayals of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington

1pm-3pm: Musical performance by the Los Angeles Police Department Concert Band

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, College Station, TX

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will host the College Station Noon Lions Club's Fourth of July "I Love America" Celebration, July 4, 2014, at the George Bush Presidential Library Center at Texas A&M University.

The museum will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. with free admission all day. Live entertainment, concessions and games for children begin at 5 p.m. The evening will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display and concert by the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, presented by H-E-B, Wells Fargo and Union Pacific. Listen live on KAMU 90.9 FM starting at 5 p.m.

For more information, including maps and parking, go to bushlibrary.tamu.edu/julyfourth.

Schedule of events:

9:30 a.m. Bush Library and Museum opens; admission is free all day

5 p.m. Flag Raising; Live entertainment by Katye Hamlin; Concessions and games begin.

6:15 p.m. Live entertainment by The Greg Tivis Jazz Band

7:20 p.m. Live entertainment by Bret Graham

8:15 p.m. Museum closes

8:30 p.m. Hot air balloon glow

8:45 p.m. The national anthem, sung by Emily Pulley

8:50 p.m. Performance by the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra

9:15 p.m. Shuttles halt until the end of the fireworks show

9:45 p.m. Fireworks show begins

10:05 p.m. Event concludes

William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, Little Rock, AR
In celebration of Independence Day, the Clinton Library and Museum is offering free admission all day.

Celebrate July 4 Online

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For PRESS information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (202) 357-5300.

Follow Us on:
Twitter: @USNatArchives (Follow the conversation #ArchivesJuly4)
Like us on Facebook: USNationalArchives and see photos of the event.

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