On Friday, July 4, 2025, the National Archives will hold its annual Fourth of July program on the steps on Constitution Avenue, featuring family-friendly activities, historical reenactments—including a reading of the Declaration of Independence—and a salute to 250 years of the United States Military—the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps all turn 250 in 2025—with special performances by military bands and remarks from Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. (Ret.), a distinguished naval aviator who is one of the longest-held American Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War and to whom the Congressional Gold Medal will soon be awarded.
“On behalf of the Acting Archivist of the United States, I invite those gathered in our Nation’s Capital to begin their Fourth of July holiday at the National Archives, a right and fitting place to celebrate and reflect on the history of our great country, all of which is preserved forever in the National Archives,” said Jim Byron, Senior Advisor to the Acting Archivist of the United States, appointed by President Trump to manage the National Archives day to day. “As we approach the 250th anniversary of American Independence, it is important to ensure that successive generations of Americans can appreciate their history and founding story and see the fruits of the vision and courage of America’s Founders -– including the original Declaration of Independence.”
“July 4th marks the beginning of our great experiment and the first chapter in our nation’s story,” said Rodney Slater, Chair and President of the National Archives Foundation. “This incredible story lives within the walls of the National Archives—home of the original Declaration of Independence and billions of other records from our past. This year’s celebration will be particularly special as we honor the U.S. Military and service members who have safeguarded our freedom and democracy for 250 years.”
All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The National Archives Museum will be open for extended hours July 3-5 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m ET. Timed entry tickets to see the original Declaration of Independence in person are encouraged, but not required.
July 4th at the National Archives is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, and P&G. Additional support provided by Ancestry, The Boeing Company, John Hancock, and Dykema.
PROGRAM INFORMATION: July 4th at the National Archives
WHEN: Friday, July 4, 2025
Ceremony: 10 a.m.–11 a.m.
Family activities: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Exhibits (including the original Declaration of Independence): 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
WHERE: National Archives Building, Constitution Avenue steps
Between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC
A riser will be reserved for attending press.
Note: The 10 a.m. ceremony will be livestreamed on the National Archives YouTube channel and on the U.S. National Archives Facebook page.
This family event is free and open to the public. Seating on the Constitution Avenue steps is available on a first-come, first-seated basis.
Patriotic Shopping at the National Archives “Pop Up” Tent Store on Constitution Avenue
8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Live Musical Performance by The Crossroads Brass Band, Quantico Marine Band
9 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
Ceremony
10 a.m.–11 a.m.
- Welcome from National Archives Foundation Executive Director Patrick Madden
- Singing of The Star Spangled Banner by Master Sergeant Caleb Green, U.S. Army (Ret.)
- Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps*
- Keynote Remarks by Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.)
- Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by educators in period-dress portraying historical characters, including George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Forten, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Ned Hector.Â
- Live performance of America the Beautiful by Master Sergeant Caleb Green, U.S. Army (Ret.)
* Continental Color Guard and Fife and Drum Corps provided by U.S. 3rd Infantry, The Old Guard.
Stay and enjoy front-row seats for the National Independence Day Parade at 11:45 a.m.
Family Activities
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Participate in hands-on family activities:
- Sign the Declaration of Independence
- Participate in the Declaring Independence scavenger hunt
- Make your own Independence Day button
- Meet and have your picture taken with George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Forten, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Ned Hector between noon and 3 p.m.
- Get up close to historic treasures with the special Opening the Vault exhibition series.Â
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