Reading of the Declaration of Independence

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., three historic and patriotic organizations host a live reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Colonial Dames bring the Declaration of Independence to life by reading it aloud. 

This event captures a moment in history: in 1776, Thomas Jefferson ordered that several copies of the Declaration of Independence be printed. Horseback riders raced to take their copy of the document to towns and cities in the colonies, reading it at the town square for all to hear. This meant that several days or more passed before the colonists heard the Declaration. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have organized simultaneous national readings of the Declaration of Independence in every state, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time.

The Event in St. Augustine

To experience the entire event:

• Gather in the Plaza de la Constitución near 5:00 p.m., to listen and watch for the Town Crier. He will call out the news and ring a handbell to gather a crowd.
• Follow him out of the Plaza and down Aviles Street to the Ximenez-Fatio House. 
• The opening ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m., with the National Anthem, an invocation by Father Matt of the Trinity Episcopal Church, and a few short comments by a local dignitary. 
• The reading begins at 6:00 p.m., and six people will each read a section of the Declaration of Independence out loud to the audience. 

The organization will have a sound system and place speakers on Aviles Street. They hope to fill the street with Americans and guests eager to hear the document that changed the world and ushered in a new nation. 

Event Details

Admission: Free

When: Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The opening ceremony begins at 5:30, and the reading starts at 6:00. 

Where: The main event takes place in the courtyard of the Ximenez-Fatio House and Museum, 20 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084. To participate in the walk, meet at the Plaza around 5:00 p.m.