July 4th at the National Archives
Day-of Celebration
Join us on the steps of the National Archives as we celebrate America's birthday and salute 250 years of the U.S. Armed Forces. Enjoy live music, performances, and the iconic reading of the Declaration of Independence by patriotic reenactors.This family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the Constitution Avenue steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis.
Patriotic Shopping at the National Archives Tent Store on Constitution Avenue
Live Musical Performance by The Crossroads Brass Band, Quantico Marine Band
Greetings
Patrick Madden
National Archives Foundation Executive Director
National Anthem
Master Sergeant Caleb Green
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Performance
3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment
The Old Guard
Fife and Drum Corps
Keynote Remarks
Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr.
U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Declaration of Independence Reading
Abigail Adams, John Adams, James Forten, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington
Performance of America the Beautiful
Master Sergeant Caleb Green
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Patrick Madden
National Archives Foundation Executive Director
National Anthem
Master Sergeant Caleb Green
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Performance
3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment
The Old Guard
Fife and Drum Corps
Keynote Remarks
Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr.
U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Declaration of Independence Reading
Abigail Adams, John Adams, James Forten, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington
Performance of America the Beautiful
Master Sergeant Caleb Green
U.S. Army (Ret.)
National Independence Day Parade
Stay and enjoy front-row seats for the National Independence Day Parade at 11:45 a.m.
Stay and enjoy front-row seats for the National Independence Day Parade at 11:45 a.m.
Family Activities
Participate in fun and immersive hands-on family activities inside the National Archives! Activities will be available for all ages.
Explore the Museum
Visit the Rotunda and see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights! You can also explore the history of our rights in America in the permanent Records of Rights exhibit, and learn about the untold stories of coal communities in the temporary exhibit Power and Light: Russell Lee’s Coal Survey.
Participate in fun and immersive hands-on family activities inside the National Archives! Activities will be available for all ages.
- Sign the Declaration of Independence
- Declaring Independence Scavenger Hunt
- Make your own Independence Day button
- Meet and have your picture taken with Revolutionary figures Abigail Adams, John Adams, James Forten, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington between noon and 3 p.m.
- Hands on crafts and activities
Explore the Museum
Visit the Rotunda and see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights! You can also explore the history of our rights in America in the permanent Records of Rights exhibit, and learn about the untold stories of coal communities in the temporary exhibit Power and Light: Russell Lee’s Coal Survey.
