Step back into 1776 and experience the words that changed history!

The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners invites you to celebrate "Sharing the Spirit of America", a nationwide initiative to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! 

Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Doors Open: 5:00 P.M.   |   Program Begins: 5:30 P.M. 
Inside Somerset County's Historic Courthouse, Somerville, NJ 

• Experience the Declaration of Independence how it would have been read in 1776
• Enjoy performances by the NJ Fife & Drum and The Road Less Traveled Quartet
• Presentation of colors by the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard
• Historical reenactors and revolutionary activities with Heritage Trail Association

Why is this event happening on July 8, instead of July 4? 

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the text of the Declaration of Independence, but did you know that the nationally recognized first public reading took place on July 8, 1776?

Colonel John Nixon, a local merchant and militia officer, stood in Philadelphia's State House Yard - known today as Independence Square - and read aloud this historic document for all to hear. 

Now, 250-years later, thousands of people around the world are coming "together" to read the Declaration of Independence in a nationwide initiative to celebrate this historic anniversary! 

Tell me more about "Sharing the Spirit of America"! 

"Sharing the Spirit of America" is a nationwide program initiated and sponsored by the Hawai'i America250 Commission. Even though the United States is spread across thousands of miles and ten different time zones, all of us in America may read the Declaration of Independence "together" at the "same" time. At a start time based on 6PM (EDT) on July 8, 2026, people in communities across America (and the world!) will begin reading the Declaration of Independence.

To view a map of all participating reading locations or learn more about "Sharing the Spirit of America", click here to visit Hawai'i America250. 

Questions? 

Contact the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission
CulturalHeritage@somersetcountynj.gov
(908) 231-7021

Made possible with funds from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Historical Commission.