Orange to Participate in nationwide Public Reading of Declaration of Independence

Mark July 8, at 6:00 PM to witness a public reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Orange County Courthouse steps. It marks the 250th anniversary of the historic document being read to the public in Philadelphia for the first time. Although July 4 is considered the 250th anniversary of our declaration of independence, Thomas Jefferson’s historic document was not actually presented to the public until four days later after it had been printed.

This event will be synchronized throughout the nation in state capitols, city halls, county and municipal buildings, schools, libraries, community centers, parks, and even in private homes. So, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM, join the Orange County Historical Society and the James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage on the front steps of the historic Orange County Courthouse (on Main Street) to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The reading will be followed by the tolling of church bells to commemorate this momentous

historical event. Dressing in colonial period clothing is encouraged. For more info, contact Ray Ezell at ocvahistorical1965@gmail.com.