The Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July

In 2001 a festive and patriotic tradition was launched at the Jaffrey Meetinghouse.

The annual reading the Declaration of Independence. The event begins at noon on the 4th of July. A short welcome by a representative of one of the four sponsoring organizations (Jaffrey Center Village Improvement Society, Jaffrey Historical Society, Jaffrey Historic District Commission and the Meetinghouse Committee) is followed by the presentation of a framed copy of the Declaration which is brought to the stage by one or two young people. The reading then begins. Thirty-eight citizens and public officials read sections of the Declaration. At the conclusion, Yankee Doodle is sung followed by three cheers for the U.S.A. and the ringing of the tower bell. All is over in about twenty minutes and many of the standing-room only audience walk over to the Melville Academy lawn for an ice cream social.

Photos by Debbie Stewart