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.

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)