Ready to get semiquincentennial??
July 29th, 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Baltimore. This reading took place at the county courthouse (now the site of the Battle Monument) at noon on July 29, 1776.
You can read more about it here! (scroll down to “VI. An Independent-Minded Woman.”) No other orgs/institutions in Baltimore seem to be planning anything for this occasion, and, well, we do have our usual tour mic & small loudspeaker.
SO! Full Story Baltimore is going to do a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 29, at noon, at the Battle Monument (on Calvert Street in downtown Baltimore City).
Our current plan:
Get to the Battle Monument on Calvert Street around 11:30am. We will probably gather on the north side of the monument (not the usual Full Story Baltimore tour stop, which is on the south side), where there is seating and more space.
Shortly before noon, historical interpreters + tour guide will offer a few words about the story of the 1776 public reading & about the Declaration itself, **if, IF the weather/heat index is bearable enough for the extra time & involvement.**
Start the reading promptly at 12 noon. Depending on weather/conditions, this may be a solo reading or a joint effort. (It should take about 12 to 15 minutes.)
Cheer or boo, as appropriate/desired.
Close with a couple of brief readings by historical interpreters. Distribute commemorative swag.
Leave the Battle Monument. Head somewhere nearby with air conditioning, to cool down and hydrate. (Lord Baltimore Hotel lobby? Suggestions welcome.)
This is extremely informal. We are keeping it small. (Full Story Baltimore does not have the resources to organize a big event for this commemoration.)
We are keeping it jingoism-free; we are taking a thoughtful & critical approach to the Declaration and to this occasion. (Wait, what? You can read about Grievance 27 at this link, in particular.)
We are also NOT planning or endorsing a re-enactment of the burning of King George in effigy from the original 1776 occasion.
We will have swag to distribute for the occasion. Commemorative pins, thanks to James. “Baltimore says NO KINGS” hand fans. Maybe other things (stickers?).
Note: This commemoration is scheduled for a weekday at midday. (We are aware that most folks cannot get off work on short notice.) There will be weekday downtown traffic. Parking in the area is not guaranteed, although the Battle Monument area is served by many public transit options. You have hereby been forewarned. Clearly, the event planners in 1776 were not thinking ahead.
Want to attend and/or participate? Please send an email to info@fullstorybaltimore.tours or a text to 443-765-7158 to let us know. (Or RSVP directly to Emma K and/or James.) Or just show up—but we’d love to have a sense of how many folks to expect. Thank you!!
