Black-and-white historical illustration showing Colonel John Nixon reading the Declaration of Independence to a crowd gathered outside the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall, in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

A Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

Wed, Jul 08, 2026
4:30 p.m. Central
Baton Rouge
Capitol Park Museum

Join the Capitol Park Museum for a special public reading of the United States Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., marking the 250th anniversary of its first public reading.

Presented by the General Philemon Thomas Chapter of the Louisiana Society Sons of the American Revolution and the John James Audubon Chapter of the Louisiana Society Daughters of the American Revolution, this commemorative event will take place as the Declaration is read simultaneously across the United States. Guests will have the opportunity to see members of the SAR and DAR in uniforms and period dress during this patriotic observance.

This event is free and open to the public but registration is encouraged. Please register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/xaech56

Image: Colonel John Nixon Giving the First Public Reading of The Declaration of Independence Outside Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall) on July 8, 1776 (Constitutional; New York Public Library)

 

Daughters of the American Revolution logo featuring a blue star with red waving stripes above the words “Daughters of the American Revolution.”

 

 

Sons of the American Revolution logo featuring a stylized blue eagle head, red-and-white flag stripes, three blue stars, and large blue “SAR” lettering above the words “Sons of the American Revolution.”

 

 

America 250 and Louisiana America 250 logos shown side by side. The America 250 logo features the word “America” above a red, white, and blue “250” design. The Louisiana America 250 logo features a white silhouette of Louisiana inside a red semicircle, surrounded by blue stars, with the words “Louisiana America 250” below.