four people stand in the balcony of the Old State with red, white, and blue confetti falling

Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Boston National Historical Park

Special Event
  • Jul 4, 2022 at 9:30 AM
  • Free

Revolutionary Spaces is pleased to once again invite the public to attend the reading of the Declaration of Independence by members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts from the balcony of the Old State House this Monday, July 4.

In 1776, when the people of Boston first heard the Declaration read from this precise spot, it represented one of the first opportunities Bostonians had to gather together after a long period of crisis. During the occupation by British soldiers, many residents had fled the city, but by the summer, there was a celebratory air in Boston as people trickled back into town and together began to look forward to a safer, brighter future. It is in this spirit that Revolutionary Spaces welcomes the public to hear and reflect on the words and ideas that have fostered our common bond.

The reading will begin following a procession that is scheduled to arrive at the Old State House at 9:45 am, so it is advised that visitors arrive outside the east end of the building by 9:30. The Old State House will open at 11:00 am.

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

The Old State House

Schedule

Date:

Jul 4, 2022

Time:

9:30 AM

Duration:

1 hour

The reading will begin following a procession that is scheduled to arrive at the Old State House at 9:45 am, so we advise visitors to arrive outside the east end of the building by 9:30. The Old State House will open at 11:00 am.

Event Type

  • Living History
  • Partner Program
  • Performance
Tags: boston national historical park, boston african american national historic site, boston harbor islands national and state park, revolutionary spaces, the old state house , fourth of july, declaration of independence