According to historical accounts, the Declaration of Independence was first publicly read in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
The reading took place at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. Bells around Philadelphia were rung in celebration, and the Liberty Bell was likely among them, although no contemporary record specifically confirms that it rang.
This date helps separate the public reading from the Declaration’s better-known July 4 adoption date. The Second Continental Congress adopted the document on July 4, but public proclamation in Philadelphia followed four days later.
A popular later legend says the Liberty Bell rang on July 4 immediately after independence was declared. Historians regard that story as unsupported; the famous tale was promoted decades afterward, especially through a widely reprinted 1847 story.