The Declaration of Independence was first publicly read on July 8, 1776, a milestone remembered in the history leading to America250.
The first reading took place in Philadelphia at the State House yard, now associated with Independence Hall. Colonel John Nixon delivered the text to a public crowd after Congress had adopted the Declaration four days earlier.
July 4 is the date Congress approved the final wording and formally adopted the Declaration, which is why the United States celebrates Independence Day then. The public reading happened later, after the document had been prepared for distribution and announcement.
The famous parchment bearing the signatures was not signed by all delegates on July 4. Most delegates signed on August 2, 1776, while additional signatures were added later. These separate dates are often confused.