Courthouse Steps Host Declaration of Independence Reading By: Orange County Communications Department
On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the historic Orange County Courthouse played host to one event of a nationwide synchronized reading of the Declaration of Independence. While July 4 is recognized as Independence Day, the Declaration itself was not widely read to the (newly- independent) American public until four days later. Honoring that history, locations across the United States conducted ceremonial readings of our nation’s founding document on July 8 at 6:00 p.m. Hosted by the Orange County Historical Society the James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage, and the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, more than 120 attendees listened intently to the words that helped chart the course of history. Read by Thomas Jefferson ( portrayed by Marc Holma ), the historic setting of the Orange County Courthouse, coupled with several onlookers sporting colonial garb, helped make the moment especially real. As we continue to celebrate the United States’ 250 Anniversary, check in with www.visitorangevirginia.com for more historic events. th
Those interested can view a recording of the reading at www.orangecovahist.org/post/a-reading-of- the-declaration-of-independence.
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OCI July 2026
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