Frequently Asked Questions

Have a safe and fun July 4!

What time does July 4th with the National Archives begin?
The National Archives’ celebration will begin with the Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony at 10:00am ET. Seating on the museum steps is first-come first-serve, so we recommend coming early! Click here to see the full schedule of activities.

Do I need register in order to attend?
All July 4 activities are free and open to the public. If you won’t be in DC but want to view the Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony, it will be live-streamed on Facebook and Youtube!

Where can I find updates on programming?
Make sure you follow the National Archives on Facebook (@USNationalArchives) and Twitter (@USNatArchives) for important updates. Bookmark this page for any schedule changes and information on how to log on.

How can I engage with the National Archives during the celebration?
We encourage you to join our programming for the day or share your special July 4 celebrations using #ArchivesJuly4 to show off your patriotic pride!

What about the National Archives Store tent?
While the museum is only open in a limited capacity on weekends, our shop is open online! Gear up for the holiday in red, white and blue today and shop our historical collections!

Note: In the event of inclement weather, all outdoor activities will be canceled.