Reading of The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, headed The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, is the founding document of the United States. It was adopted on July 4, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress meeting at the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. The declaration explains to the world why the thirteen colonies regarded themselves as independent sovereign states no longer subject to British colonial rule. The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress, who came to be known as the nation’s Founding Fathers.  The declaration became one of the most circulated and widely reprinted documents in early American history.

During the Festival, the Declaration of Independence is read by Mr. Lee Norris in period costume at various locations and times. In addition, the public is invited to sign an oversized copy of the Declaration of Independence.