From the Morristown National Historical Park:
July Fourth Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Washington’s Headquarters, 30 Washington Place, Morristown, New Jersey 07960
Free Admission
Morristown, N.J. – Morristown National Historical Park will celebrate our Declaration of Independence with July Fourth activities beginning at noon on the park’s Washington’s Headquarters grounds, 30 Washington Place.
The “Warm-up for the Declaration” will start the day’s activities at noon. A ranger, wearing replica 18th-century clothes will tell jokes, riddles and stories from the 18th century. He will also provide a kid’s level explanation of the Declaration and lead the crowd in cheering in proper 18th-century style.
At 1 p.m., the “Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence” will commence. Attendees will be encouraged to cheer along with park rangers and re-enactors as they denounce tyranny and praise liberty. At the conclusion of the reading, attendees are welcome to visit the Washington’s Headquarters Museum and enjoy the grounds.
Visitors are asked to bring water to drink and a chair or a blanket to sit on the ground and are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather, including wearing a hat and sunscreen. It is a rain-or-shine event. Due to limited parking, guests are encouraged to carpool or walk to the event.
All activities will take place at the Washington’s Headquarters area and are free of charge.
Please note that the Jockey Hollow’s grounds, trails and visitor center restrooms will be open on July 4, 2025, but the rest of the visitor center and the Wick House will be closed.
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The first celebrations of American Independence took place as news of the Declaration of Independence spread from town to town. 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.” Public gatherings included various forms of celebration, such as firing muskets or cannons, as well as toasts and salutes to American Independence. 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.
