On July 8, 2026, communities across Massachusetts are invited to take part in Sharing the Spirit of America, a statewide and nationwide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence.
As the birthplace of the American Revolution, Massachusetts holds a unique place in this history. The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence took place in Boston in 1776, and this initiative offers communities across the Commonwealth a meaningful way to honor that legacy together.
A Statewide Civic Moment
MA250 is encouraging every municipality, school, cultural institution, and community organization in Massachusetts to participate by hosting a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026.
Communities are also encouraged to build local programming around the reading, including:
- Musical or theatrical performances
- Panel discussions or lectures
- Family activities and educational programming
- Celebrations incorporated into existing local events
Together, these local activations will create a shared civic experience across the state, connecting residents and visitors to the ideals, history, and enduring relevance of the Declaration of Independence.
Massachusetts’ Role
While a ceremonial reading at Boston’s historic Old State House on July 4, 2026, will serve as a symbolic anchor, the heart of this initiative in Massachusetts is broad statewide participation.
Through MA250, we are inviting communities of every size to join this moment, reflect on our shared history, and create experiences that bring people together.
Share Your Event with MA250
If your community, organization, or institution is planning to participate, we encourage you to submit your event to the MA250 Calendar.
Adding your event to the calendar will help residents and visitors discover local programs happening across the state, and it will also help MA250 identify opportunities to amplify participating communities through our summer communications efforts.
Photo credit: National Park Service, North Bridge, Concord, Massachusetts
How MA250 Will Support the Initiative
MA250 will support Sharing the Spirit of America in Massachusetts through:
- Social media storytelling and promotion
- Amplification of participating communities and events throughout the summer
- Coordination with media and partners to highlight Massachusetts’ role in this historic milestone and initiative
Get Involved
Whether you are a municipality, school, museum, library, nonprofit, historical society, or community group, we encourage you to take part.
This is a chance to join communities across Massachusetts, and across the country, in marking a defining moment in our nation’s history through local action, reflection, and civic engagement.
For questions or more information, please contact:
Sheila Green
sheila.green@mass.gov
Featured image photo credit: Reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Old State House, July 18, 1776, The Tichnor Brothers Collection, The Boston Public Library
