Spend part of your 4th of July vacation in Washington, D.C., at the National Archives

June 30, 3:33 AMDC Tourism & Travel ExaminerBen Shlesinger

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The National Archives is taking advantage of its Constitution Avenue location by welcoming in tourists on July 4 with a number of different events. Below is information from its web site describing the day's affairs.

Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony
Constitution Avenue Steps
10 a.m.–11 a.m.

• Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard
• Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps
• Remarks by Acting Archivist of the United States Adrienne Thomas and Director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum Timothy Naftali
• Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence
  by special guests including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Ned Hector (portrayed by historical reenactors)

Family Activities
11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Meet Historical Figures in the Rotunda and Presidential Conference Rooms

• Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and members of the Hoover Presidential Library Troupe

Historical Activities throughout the National Archives Experience

• Sign a full-size facsimile of the Declaration of Independence—Presidential Conference Room Lobby
• Explore full-size facsimiles of landmark historical documents—Public Vaults Exhibit Exit
• Participate in an Archival Adventure and see a demonstration of the Digital Vaults—Boeing Learning Center
• Play historical games and put together BIG! puzzles—Madison Room

Patriotic Activities in the Jefferson Room

• Air your grievances in Revolutionary manner with a quill pen
• Don a tricornered hat and step up to the podium to declare your independence
• Show patriotic pride with a National Archives temporary tattoo

“BIG!” Exhibit–Related Activities in the Washington Room

• Design and receive a BIG award
• Use a pantograph to make large-scale drawings
• Color in a BIG version of the Declaration of Independence Faulkner Mural
• BIG treasure hunt—O’Brien Gallery
  

The National Archives Experience will offer extended viewing hours for the Charters of Freedom until 9 p.m. on Friday, July 3, Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5.