The first public readings of the United States Declaration of Independence took place on July 8, 1776.
The readings occurred four days after the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration. They took place at three designated locations: the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, Easton in Pennsylvania, and Trenton in New Jersey.
In Philadelphia, the proclamation was read aloud by Colonel John Nixon. Public readings made the document’s claims understandable to people who could not consult the printed broadsides distributed by Congress. Bells, music, and celebrations accompanied the event in several communities.
The first public readings should not be confused with the signing of the engrossed parchment. Congress approved the Declaration on July 4, ordered a formal copy on July 19, and delegates began signing that copy on August 2. The dates describe different stages in the document’s creation and public use.