On Saturday, July 4, the City of Hallowell will host a truly historic Independence Day celebration as it displays one of only 26 known surviving copies of the original 1776 Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence.
The public is invited to view this extraordinary artifact, printed on July 4, 1776 by John Dunlap, the official printer to the Continental Congress, at Hallowell City Hall.
The free, family-friendly event runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, offering residents and visitors a rare opportunity to experience a direct connection to the birth of the United States.
This particular Dunlap Broadside holds special significance for the city. Historical records indicate it arrived in Hallowell on July 5, 1776, just one day after its printing in Philadelphia, making it one of the earliest copies to reach what was then part of the District of Maine. The broadside represents one of the first printed versions of the Declaration of Independence that was distributed to the colonies. Of the approximately 200 copies believed to have been printed that night, only 26 are known to survive today. Its presence in Hallowell underscores the community’s deep roots in America’s founding era.
Local legend Maureen AuCoin, named the 2024 Hallowell Citizen of the Year, will deliver a special live reading of the Declaration of Independence at 11:00 AM.
Organizers recommend arriving early, due to anticipated crowds and standard security protocols for protecting this priceless historical document.
Visitors will also enjoy an immersive patriotic atmosphere featuring fireworks imagery, American flags, and colonial-era design elements celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Latest Local Eastern & Central Maine News
