On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress officially embraced the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the Thirteen Colonies as free, sovereign states, separate from Great Britain.
Just four days later, this pivotal document was presented to the public for the first time in Philadelphia, marking a significant moment in American history.
In commemoration of the nation’s semiquincentennial, Harford County will engage in this cherished tradition by hosting public readings of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026.
“I invite residents of Harford County, regardless of age, to join us for one of these readings,” stated County Executive Bob Cassilly. “Listening to the Declaration of Independence will serve as a powerful reminder of the revolutionary ideals that have shaped our nation. The words, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,’ invite us to cherish the legacy our forebears have left for us and future generations.”
The event, titled “Sharing the Spirit of America,” will occur simultaneously at eight different locations throughout Harford County on that day.
Each reading is scheduled to commence at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8.
The readings will take place at the following venues:
- Harford County Public Library’s Aberdeen Library: 21 Franklin Street, Aberdeen
- Harford County Public Library’s Abingdon Library: 2510 Tollgate Road, Abingdon
- Harford County Public Library’s Bel Air Library: 100 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Bel Air
- Harford County Public Library’s Darlington Library: 3535 Conowingo Road, Street
- Harford County Public Library’s Fallston Library: 1461 Fallston Road, Fallston
- Harford History Center: 143 N. Main Street, Bel Air
- Hays House Museum: 324 Kenmore Avenue, Bel Air
- STAR Centre: 700 Congress Avenue, Havre de Grace
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