The community is invited to gather on the steps of Frederick City Hall for “Sharing the Spirit of America,” part of Frederick County’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary
The City of Frederick, in collaboration with the Frederick County U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, will take part in a nationwide moment on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as community members gather on the steps of Frederick City Hall, 101 N. Court St., to hear the Declaration of Independence read aloud – at the exact same hour communities across the country are doing the same.
The event, “Sharing the Spirit of America: A Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of Independence,” commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration’s first public reading, which took place in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. Originated by the Hawaii America250 Commission, there are currently 744 locations participating across all 50 states, five territories, DC, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, and other countries.
In Frederick, the community will gather at City Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. with opening remarks beginning at 5:45 and the reading beginning promptly at 6 p.m.
The event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided and no RSVP is required. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside City Hall.
Event Details
What: Sharing the Spirit of America – A Nationwide Reading of the Declaration of IndependenceWhen: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 – 5:30 p.m. gather and opening remarks; 6 p.m. reading beginsWhere: Steps of Frederick City Hall, 101 N. Court Street, Frederick, MD 21701Cost: Free
The Frederick reading is one of many local events being held nationwide as part of the official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. The goal is to bring neighbors together, in person, to hear the words that launched a nation, at the same time as communities from Maine to Hawaii.
For more information about this event and other USA250 activities happening through the City, visit frederickmd.gov/usa250.