Declaration of Independence Readings in Salem, Boston, Too

Published Jul. 4, 2026, 7:47 PM • Updated Jul. 4, 2026, 7:55 PM

Salem Waterfront, circa 1776, in header image.

Reenactment actors from the Colonial Era of US history on our 250th birthday read out in Salem on Salem Common and in Boston at the Old State House, what could be our most important English language writings, along with the US Constitution. This and for other reasons on this celebratory day of red, white, and blue bunting fakely aged yellow on the white around Salem, July 4 matters to MA.

Caroline Barry on Instagram: "250 years later and Boston still knows how to throw the best birthday party in the country. 🎆🇺🇸

This morning I watched the City of Boston’s July 4th Procession step off from Copley Square, led by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, wreaths laid at Granary Burying Ground, and it all ended with the Declaration of Independence read aloud at the Old State House.

Boston Harborfest festivities continue throughout the afternoon, all leading up to tonight’s Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade!

Happy Independence Day, Boston. 🎇@massachusetts250

#makebostonhome #BostonHarborfest #Boston4thofJuly #MA250"

Dominick Pangallo (@dpangallo.bsky.social)

Sources & Notes

Source: Apple Books via Apple Book “Nathaniel Bowditch and the Power Of Numbers” by Tamara Thorton.

Declaration of Independence Readings in Salem, Boston, Too

Dominick Pangallo (@dpangallo.bsky.social)

Sources & Notes