Sharing the Spirit of America
Sharing the Spirit of America Overview
Type
State-Led National 250th Program
Organizer
Hawai‘i America250 Commission
Website
Sharing the Spirit of America Webpage
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A Historic Reading
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence inside the Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Four days later, on July 8, 1776, after the Declaration was printed and distributed, the citizens of Philadelphia were summoned to hear the first public reading of the Declaration. Join Americans in all 50 states and territories for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2025 at 6 pm EDT to honor this tradition.
Other Documents to Share
MD Two Fifty encourages the inclusion of readings of other foundational documents, speeches, and other writings highlighting underrepresented voices throughout American history. This includes documents such as:
Excerpt from Common Sense (1776)
Report of the Woman’s Rights Convention (1848)
What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? (1852)
Remembering of Chief Seattle’s Speech (1854)
The New Colossus (1883)
Readings of Frederick Douglass’ “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” speech are historically hosted throughout Maryland. Check out a public reading of the speech hosted in Talbot County in 2025.