On July 8, 1776, the first public reading of the DECLARATION of INDEPENDENCE was made in Philadelphia. The great bell in the tower of what is now Independence Hall rang, calling everyone to the court yard. People gathered, already aware that the mighty statement to the world would be shared with them.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2026, exactly 250 years after that first reading, we call our neighbors and friends to gather at the Delhi Towne Square to experience a reading of the DECLARATION of INDEPENDENCE. Many of us already know some of the words, such as “We the People,” and “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Hearing the entire Declaration from beginning to end, proudly proclaiming our nation’s birth to world can be a moving experience.

Join us to experience the powerful announcement to the world that the United States of America is born!

In the event of rain, the reading will be moved indoors to the Event Center on the 2nd floor.