Communal Reading of the Declaration of Independence

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Four days later, on July 8, it was read out loud to the public for the first time.On July 8, 2026, through carefully planned timing, Americans in all 50 states, 16 territories, and across 9,500 miles will read aloud the Declaration of Independence together. Join us on the steps of Windsor Town Hall to join in the reading or just listen in observation of this 250th anniversary.We ask that people arrive at 5:30. If you are interested in reading, find the Historical Society employee on the steps to receive a portion of the Declaration. There are only 30 portions of the Declaration and readers will be chosen on a first come-first serve basis on the day of the event.The program will begin with an opening statement from Sharmese Walcott, the State’s Attorney for Judicial District of Hartford. The reading of the Declaration begins at 6 PM on the dot.The reading will take approximately 12 minutes. We encourage those who cannot stand for the duration to bring a lawn chair.If you plan on attending (either to read or listen), we would appreciate it if you pre-register.This program is part of Windsor Historical Society’s WindsorCT250 commemoration activities.

Event Schedule

5:30 – Interested speakers arrive to collect their portion
5:45 – Program begins
6:00 – Declaration recitation begins