The United States Military's 250th Anniversary Festivities on July 4th can be experienced at the National Archives, as outlined in a recent press release from June 23, 2025.
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The National Archives in Washington, DC is inviting everyone to join its annual Fourth of July program on July 4, 2025. This year's event promises to be a memorable celebration of America's birthday, featuring a Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony, family-friendly activities, and live performances.
The day's schedule begins at 10:00 AM ET with the Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony on the museum steps. Reenactors will bring the historic document to life, and seating for this ceremony is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed on the National Archives' YouTube channel and U.S. National Archives Facebook page.
Throughout the day, reenactors and family fun activities will take place on Constitution Avenue near the Archives. Although the specific times and detailed schedule of performances are not publicly detailed, it's sure to be an entertaining experience for all ages.
The Crossroads Brass Band and Quantico Marine Band will perform live music during the event, adding to the patriotic atmosphere. Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., a distinguished naval aviator and soon-to-be recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, will give remarks during the program.
The ceremony will include a welcome, the singing of The Star Spangled Banner, a performance by the Fife and Drum Corps, keynote remarks by Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a live performance of America the Beautiful.
The event is free and open to the public. If you plan to attend, it is recommended to arrive early for seating, as it is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The National Archives Museum will also be open for extended hours (July 3-5 from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM ET). Family activities will be available from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM, including signing the Declaration of Independence, a scavenger hunt, making Independence Day buttons, meeting historical figures, and an "Opening the Vault" exhibition.
For those interested in learning more about the Declaration of Independence, related videos will provide insights into the Dunlap Broadside, the iron-gall ink used to write the Declaration, and the conservation process of the Declaration of Independence.
The National Archives is more than just the custodian of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It is a federal agency that preserves and makes available the records of the United States Government. For media inquiries, please contact the National Archives Public and Media Communications at [email protected] or the National Archives Foundation at mattie.gainer@our websitefoundation.org.
A "Patriotic Shopping" tent store will be open on Constitution Avenue from 8:00 AM-3:30 PM, offering a variety of items to commemorate the occasion.
In October 2025, the National Archives Museum is scheduled to reopen with new exhibitions, marking a significant enhancement of its historical programming, though not directly related to the July 4 event.
Join us on July 4, 2025, at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, for a day of history, entertainment, and patriotism. Connect with the National Archives on various social media platforms to stay updated on the event: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Tumblr, YouTube, and X.
- In the midst of the Fourth of July activities at the National Archives Museum, there might be opportunities for discussions about war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, given the historical significance of the events being celebrated and the presence of reenactors.
- As the National Archives Museum is not just the custodian of important national documents but also a federal agency that preserves and makes available the records of the United States Government, it serves as a repository for a wide range of historical information, including information related to war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news.
