Join Us for a Historic Community Event
The General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution invites you to a special America 250 community celebration:
“Sharing the Spirit of America”
A public reading of the Declaration of Independence
On July 8, 2026—exactly 250 years after the first public reading in 1776—communities across the nation will come together to read the Declaration aloud. Our chapter is proud to host this event locally in Bloomington-Normal.
The General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution invites you to a special America 250 community celebration:
“Sharing the Spirit of America”
A public reading of the Declaration of Independence
On July 8, 2026—exactly 250 years after the first public reading in 1776—communities across the nation will come together to read the Declaration aloud. Our chapter is proud to host this event locally in Bloomington-Normal.
📍 Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
- Time: 4:00 – 6:30 PM
- Reading Begins: Promptly at 5:00 PM
- Location: Connie Link Amphitheatre, Normal, Illinois
- Admission: Free and open to the public
🎤 What to Expect
- A team of 16 community readers, including:
- Students
- Educators
- First responders
- Clergy
- Community leaders
- A full public reading of the Declaration of Independence
- A patriotic performance by the
Bloomington-Normal Community Concert Band
(Directed by Mr. Mike Wallace)
🌳 Make It an Evening to Remember
Come early and enjoy everything the setting has to offer:
Come early and enjoy everything the setting has to offer:
- Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets
- Walk or bike along the nearby Constitution Trail
- Visit the newly planted Liberty Tree located within view of the amphitheater
- Enjoy an evening of music, history, and community under the shade trees
John Nixon reading the Declaration of Independence, July 8, 1776 / NYPL (https://thestrawfoot.com/2023/07/08/colonel-john-nixon)
About “Sharing the Spirit of America”
“Sharing the Spirit of America” is a nationwide initiative of the Hawai's America250 Commission.
Despite spanning thousands of miles and multiple time zones, Americans will unite in a synchronized reading of the Declaration of Independence—just as it was shared with the public in 1776.
“Sharing the Spirit of America” is a nationwide initiative of the Hawai's America250 Commission.
Despite spanning thousands of miles and multiple time zones, Americans will unite in a synchronized reading of the Declaration of Independence—just as it was shared with the public in 1776.
An 1826 painting by John Trumbull entitled Annunciation of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson is shown presenting the Annunciation to John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress.
(https://sousathandoing.blogspot.com/2022/04/when-second-continental-congress.html)
Get Involved
We welcome community participation and support.
We welcome community participation and support.
- Interested in attending? Simply join us—no registration required
- Know someone who would enjoy this event? Invite family and friends
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📣 Stay Connected
For updates, photos, and event announcements:
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📞 Contact Information
Dale Simpson America 250 Committee Chairman Public Relations Chairman General Joseph Bartholomew Chapter, SAR 📧 [email protected] 📞 309-824-6820 Or visit the Contact Page at GJBSAR.org |
