Reading the Declaration of Independence
Friday, July 17, 2026 • Independence Park • Gathering at 5:30 P.M. | Reading Begins at 6:00 P.M.

Join Historic Beverly for a commemorative public reading of the Declaration of Independence at Independence Park, the very site where Beverly first heard the Declaration read aloud in 1776.

On July 17, 1776, Colonel John Glover gathered his regiment on the parade ground that would later become Independence Park, where they were joined by Beverly townspeople to hear the newly adopted Declaration of Independence publicly proclaimed for the first time. Printed by E. Russell of Salem just two weeks after the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration on July 4th, Beverly’s reading copy announced the birth of a new nation before the celebration continued with a cannon salute and the ringing of church bells throughout the community.

250 years later, Historic Beverly invites the public to gather once again at this historic location to reflect on the words that changed the course of history. This special evening program will recreate the spirit of that historic moment through a public reading of the Declaration in the place where Beverly residents first heard its revolutionary message.

Guests are encouraged to arrive beginning at 5:30 P.M. to enjoy the waterfront setting and learn more about Beverly’s important role in the Revolutionary era before the formal reading begins at 6:00 P.M.

Leading up to the event, visitors can view Beverly’s historic reading copy of the Declaration of Independence at the John Cabot House, located at 117 Cabot Street, as part of Historic Beverly’s ongoing interpretation of the American Revolution and Beverly’s role in the founding of the nation.