Hear The Declaration Of Independence In Morristown On July 4

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Independence Day is approaching, and Morristown National Historical Park is preparing for their annual public reading of the Declaration of Independence to celebrate.

This year, the July 4 celebrations at the park include historical reenactments, period-correct tents that display what Continental Army soldiers would have carried, and more.

Visitors can join in singing military songs from the era, explore the park's Junior Ranger programs, and learn about the daily lives of soldiers in the Revolutionary War.

All activities are free of charge, and take place on the Washington’s Headquarters grounds (30 Washington Pl., Morristown NJ 07960) on July 4.

The celebration begins at 12 p.m., with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

"Attendees will be encouraged to cheer along with park rangers and re-enactors as they denounce tyranny and praise liberty," organizers said.

As the park noted, the first celebrations of American Independence included various forms of celebration, such as firing muskets or cannons, as well as toasts and salutes. News of the Declaration of Independence was spread from town to town through newspapers or broadsides, as well as through public readings like the one that takes place in Morristown every year.

"It was Congress’ wish that public readings of the Declaration be held 'in such a mode, as that the people may be universally informed of it,'" the park noted. "General Washington had the Declaration of Independence read to his troops in 1776. Although there is no evidence of any celebration in Morristown, the army was in Morristown for the first anniversary of Independence during a brief visit in July 1777."

The Washington's Headquarters Museum will also be open for visitors.

Visitors are asked to bring their own seating, and are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water to drink.

Morristown National Historical Park commemorates where General George Washington's Continental Army stayed during a brutal winter in their second winter encampment in Morristown from 1779-80.

Washington used Ford Mansion, which is currently under construction, as his headquarters during that winter. The home was built in the early 1770s for Jacob Ford, Jr., who became a colonel in the Morris County Militia. Ford had died of pneumonia two winters before.

Washington, his wife Martha, five aides-de-camp, 18 servants, and a number of others also stayed in the home, while Ford's widow Theodosia and their five children moved into other rooms of the house.

As a note: The Jockey Hollow Visitor Center and Wick House will be closed on July 4, as is Ford Mansion during construction work.