History, Music & Freedom

Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence Expands into America 250 Community Celebration

Residents and visitors are invited to begin Independence Day with an America 250 Community Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Williamson County Archives and Museum, 611 West Main Street in downtown Franklin.

The Lt. Andrew Crockett Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, annually performs the Reading of the Declaration of Independence, which has become a longstanding Williamson County Independence Day tradition. With participation from Old Glory Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the Williamson County Community Band, Williamson County Archives and Museum, and other community partners, the 2026 observance expands the morning's programming to include history, music, living history demonstrations, educational exhibits, children's activities, and a special America 250 puppet production.

The free community event begins at 9:00 a.m. and offers visitors an opportunity to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence through a variety of engaging activities for all ages.

The celebration will open with patriotic selections performed by the Williamson County Community Band under the direction of Karen Ranney. Founded in 2000, the all-volunteer intergenerational ensemble includes approximately 60 musicians ranging in age from pre-teen to over 90 and performs throughout Williamson County and Middle Tennessee.

A highlight of the morning will be a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, allowing participants to hear the words that announced the birth of a new nation 250 years ago and to reflect on the enduring principles of liberty and self-government.

Visitors will enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including Revolutionary War living history encampments, color guard presentations, fife and drum music, Patriot Chest artifacts, patriotic coloring activities, a Junior Militia experience for children, educational displays, Revolutionary War cutouts for photos, and opportunities to interact with costumed interpreters portraying the Revolutionary era.

At 11:00 a.m., Old Glory Chapter, NSDAR, will present its original puppet production, Paper and Pen—Mice and Men: An America 250 Tale.

Designed for children and families, the program uses humor, storytelling, and audience participation to introduce young audiences to the principles of American independence and self-government while bringing Revolutionary-era history to life.

The event is part of the nationwide America 250 observance commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Across the country, communities are reflecting on the ideals of liberty, representative government, and civic responsibility that have guided the United States since 1776.

Families are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the morning's activities before continuing to Franklin's Independence Day celebrations downtown. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs for comfortable outdoor seating and are encouraged to wear patriotic colors or Revolutionary-era attire. These special outfits help bring history to life and make for memorable America 250 photographs.

In the event of inclement weather, activities will be moved indoors at the Williamson County Archives and Museum.

Admission is free.

Event Summary

Reading of the Declaration of Independence, part of the America 250

Community Celebration

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Williamson County Archives and Museum

611 West Main Street

Franklin, Tennessee

9:00 a.m.

· Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

· Patriotic Music by the Williamson County Community Band, Karen Ranney, Director

· Revolutionary War Living History Encampments

· Color Guard and Fife & Drum

· Patriot Chest Artifacts Display

· Junior Militia for Children

· Patriotic Coloring Activities

· Children's Games and Educational Activities

11:00 a.m.

· Puppet Show: Paper and Pen—Mice and Men: An America 250 Tale

· Presented by Old Glory Chapter, NSDAR

Admission Free

Additional America 250 Opportunity

Area churches, businesses, organizations, schools, and residents are encouraged to participate in the nationwide Freedom Bells observance at 12:00 noon local time on July 4, 2026. Communities across the nation will ring bells in celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. As part of Williamson County's America 250 commemoration, participants are invited to ring bells thirteen times in honor of the original thirteen states. Additional information is available at FreedomBells.org.