Gettysburg residents and visitors found a variety of ways to celebrate and learn about the Declaration of Independence during its 250th anniversary celebration.
On July 2, the anniversary of the day the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration, the Seminary Ridge Museum hosted a public reading of the document by Codie Eash, the museum’s Director of Education and Interpretation. The program also featured a panel discussion on the Declaration’s historical legacy with Tom McMillan, Jake Wynn, Erin Pearce, and Christopher Gwinn. The discussion was moderated by Judy Morley, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Seminary Ridge Museum. The event was presented in partnership with the Gettysburg Foundation, Gettysburg National Military Park, and the Gettysburg Film Commission.
On July 4, the historic Dobbin House Tavern—approaching its own 250th anniversary—hosted a ceremony that recreated the experience of Gettysburg residents hearing the Declaration of Independence read aloud, just as many Americans did in 1776.
The ceremony opened with the entrance of a fife and drum corps and color guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by the crowd of several hundred attendees.
Jacqueline White, owner of the Dobbin House, welcomed visitors and spoke about the history of the house and its original owner, Alexander Dobbin. The highlight of the program was a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by David Birdwell.
The event was co-sponsored by the local chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Following the ceremony, visitors sought relief from the summer heat in the Dobbin House Tavern, while others enjoyed guided house tours and colonial music performed by Troubadour John Durant. Guests also had the opportunity to sign a commemorative copy of the Declaration of Independence, dress in colonial-era clothing, and participate in family activities including a children’s scavenger hunt and colonial-themed coloring projects.
The celebration continues at the Adams County Public Library, which is hosting the traveling exhibit “Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy” through July 17. The exhibit uses historical documents and interpretive displays to explore the Declaration’s enduring global influence and the ways people around the world have drawn upon its principles in movements for freedom, equality, and self-determination. The exhibit is part of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s traveling exhibition series.
The library will also host a presentation by local historian Leon Reed on July 8 examining the ideas that shaped the Declaration, the debates and votes that led to its adoption, and its lasting influence on American and world history.
Readers interested in learning more can also explore Gettysburg Connection’s three-part series on American independence:
- Approaching Independence
- Independence, Part 2: Enlightenment Roots of Independence
- Independence, Part 3
The series is available at:
