Morris County's Declaration of Independence Reading is July 8
Published on July 02, 2026
Event at County Courthouse Marks 250th Anniversary of Historic Public Reading
Morris County will join communities across the nation on Wednesday, July 8, for a synchronized public reading of the Declaration of Independence, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the document's first public reading in Philadelphia and concluding the county's weeklong "Light to Unite" celebration of America's Semiquincentennial.
The public is invited to gather on the front lawn of the historic Morris County Courthouse, 56 Washington St., Morristown. The event begins at 5:45 p.m., with the reading starting promptly at 6 p.m. -- the same time communities across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. territories will participate in the nationwide "Sharing the Spirit of America" initiative.
The Declaration of Independence reading will also be livestreamed on the Morris County Facebook page. If you cannot join us, we encourage our fellow municipalities, local civic organizations, veteran halls and every other group to organize other synchronized readings throughout Morris County at exactly 6 p.m. on July 8.
The county ceremony will feature members of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners; county constitutional officers Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Sheriff James M. Gannon, County Clerk Ann F. Grossi and Surrogate Heather J. Darling; and Superior Court, Morris/Sussex Vicinage Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz, each reading an assigned portion of the Declaration of Independence.
"This event offers our community a unique opportunity to stand together and commemorate one of the defining moments in our nation's history," said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw. "By joining Americans across the country in reading the Declaration of Independence at the exact same moment, we honor the principles of liberty and self-government that continue to unite us 250 years later."
The reading commemorates July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was first read publicly in the yard of what is now Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Later that same day, the Declaration also was read publicly in Trenton.
The event will begin with music performed by the Colonial Musketeers Senior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps of Hackettstown. Just before 6 p.m., the historic courthouse bell will ring 13 times before the reading begins.
Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary Bomb Pop frozen treats, view the Morris County 250th Traveling Mural and are encouraged to explore a special 250th anniversary exhibit on display in the Morris County Courthouse.
Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary Bomb Pop frozen treats, view the Morris County 250th Traveling Mural and explore a special 250th anniversary exhibit located inside the historic Morris County Courthouse. The exhibit traces the evolution of Morris County’s courthouses, highlights landmark trials and features historic artifacts, photographs and interactive displays illustrating the county’s legal history. Visitors also can explore exhibits detailing the history of the Morris County Sheriff's Office and receive a complimentary pocket Constitution, courtesy of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the historic courtroom on the second floor of the Morris County Courthouse.
The July 8 reading also marks the conclusion of Morris County's "Light to Unite" campaign, which began July 2 and encouraged residents, businesses, schools, houses of worship and local governments to illuminate homes, buildings and landmarks in red, white and blue in celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
###