The Little Traverse Historical Society joins
Michigan’s statewide reading of the Declaration of Independence
On July 8, 2026, at 6:00 pm, communities across Michigan, along with the rest of the nation and
nine territories, will read the Declaration of Independence simultaneously, commemorating the
first public reading which was made by Colonel John Nixon on July 8, 1776, also at 6:00 pm.
The readings are being coordinated and promoted by America250 as part of the nation’s
semiquincentennial celebration.
The Declaration’s words—“all men are created equal”—were proclaimed by a small circle of
wealthy, welleducated men in powdered wigs, many of whom denied those very rights to others.
And yet those words sparked Unfinished Revolutions: abolishing slavery; restoring and lifting
Indigenous voices; expanding the vote; welcoming immigrants; empowering civil rights and
labor movements; sending girls to school—then into laboratories—legislatures—and low Earth
orbit. The arc is imperfect—and still bending—because ordinary people keep showing up to
make the text true.
At its heart, this event affirms two enduring truths: “That whenever any Form of Government
becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it,” and “We
hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal… endowed… with certain
unalienable Rights… among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” On July 8, we
will gather not only to read these words, but to live them—locally, lawfully, and together.
The Little Traverse Historical Society will be holding its free event in Downtown Petoskey’s
Pennsylvania Park and invites all to join them and share the spirit of America. Local business
owner, performer, and longtime resident, Gary Albert will begin reading promptly at 6:00 pm.
Bring a lawn chair or prepare to stand for this thoughtful, community building event.
Unfortunately, if there is rain the outside event will be cancelled.
Michigan’s statewide reading of the Declaration of Independence
On July 8, 2026, at 6:00 pm, communities across Michigan, along with the rest of the nation and
nine territories, will read the Declaration of Independence simultaneously, commemorating the
first public reading which was made by Colonel John Nixon on July 8, 1776, also at 6:00 pm.
The readings are being coordinated and promoted by America250 as part of the nation’s
semiquincentennial celebration.
The Declaration’s words—“all men are created equal”—were proclaimed by a small circle of
wealthy, welleducated men in powdered wigs, many of whom denied those very rights to others.
And yet those words sparked Unfinished Revolutions: abolishing slavery; restoring and lifting
Indigenous voices; expanding the vote; welcoming immigrants; empowering civil rights and
labor movements; sending girls to school—then into laboratories—legislatures—and low Earth
orbit. The arc is imperfect—and still bending—because ordinary people keep showing up to
make the text true.
At its heart, this event affirms two enduring truths: “That whenever any Form of Government
becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it,” and “We
hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal… endowed… with certain
unalienable Rights… among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” On July 8, we
will gather not only to read these words, but to live them—locally, lawfully, and together.
The Little Traverse Historical Society will be holding its free event in Downtown Petoskey’s
Pennsylvania Park and invites all to join them and share the spirit of America. Local business
owner, performer, and longtime resident, Gary Albert will begin reading promptly at 6:00 pm.
Bring a lawn chair or prepare to stand for this thoughtful, community building event.
Unfortunately, if there is rain the outside event will be cancelled.