Mark the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of our nation’s Declaration of Independence in Massachusetts. Revolutionary Spaces invites members of the public to join in a special program in the Council Chamber of the Old State House on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

This program will feature a gallery talk on the history of the first Declaration reading, displays of primary source documents, and images related to the first reading of the Declaration. We’ll also be joined by reenactors portraying Abigail Adams, John Rowe, Daniel Greenleaf, and a British military officer who will provide historical interpretation of the events of July 18, 1776. The main portion of the program will include a shared reading of the Declaration of Independence by various young people from across Massachusetts.

The program will begin at 12:30 PM on Saturday, July 18, 2026, with the reading of the Declaration of Independence to begin at 1:00 P.M. The program will conclude at 2:00 P.M. Free with ticketed museum admission, registration in advance is encouraged but not required.

MUSEUM ADMISSION TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS PUBLIC PROGRAM. Please purchase tickets in addition to registering for this program. https://revolutionaryspaces.org/visit/museum-admission/