Sharing the Spirit of America: Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence @ St. Mary's County Government Center

Join us as St. Mary's County commemorates America's 250th anniversary with a special public reading of the Declaration of Independence as part of the nationwide "Sharing the Spirit of America" initiative.
Although the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, it was July 8, 1776, when it was first read aloud to the public in Philadelphia. Two hundred fifty years later, communities across all 50 states and U.S. territories will come together at the same time to read the Declaration aloud and honor this defining moment in our nation's history.
Gather with elected officials, community leaders, and fellow residents on the Governmental Center Lawn as we celebrate the enduring ideals of liberty, democracy, and civic participation. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for this free community event. A light reception with refreshments will immediately follow the reading.

Event Details
📅 Wednesday, July 8, 2026
🕕 6 p.m. (Please arrive by 5:45 p.m.)
📍 Potomac Building
23115 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
🧭 Campus Map: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/Directions

Rain Plan: In the event of inclement weather, the reading will be held inside the Potomac Building in Meeting Room 14.
Unable to attend in person? Watch live on SMCG TV Channel 95 or on the St. Mary's County Government YouTube channel.
This commemorative event is presented in partnership by St. Mary's County Government, the Town of Leonardtown, the St. Mary's County Recreation & Parks Museum Division, and Visit St. Mary's MD as part of the nationwide "Sharing the Spirit of America" initiative.
We hope you'll join us for this meaningful community celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

This commemorative event is presented in partnership by St. Mary's County Government, the Town of Leonardtown, the St. Mary's County Recreation & Parks Museum Division, and Visit St. Mary's MD as part of the nationwide "Sharing the Spirit of America" initiative.