How does your community celebrate the Fourth of July? In Easton, Pennsylvania, we do things a little differently. Because Easton was one of the first three places where the Declaration of Independence was publicly read on July 8, 1776, we traditionally celebrate with our annual Heritage Day on the Sunday closest to the 8th. Easton Heritage Day is a free, full-day family festival that includes local history, reenactments, activities, music, and a fireworks display over the Forks of the Delaware.
At noon, reenactors parade from the Bachmann Publick House to Centre Square, where the Declaration is read aloud, and celebratory shots are fired. This tradition gives Easton a special way to honor its place in America’s founding story.
My sixth great-grandfather, Colonel Peter Kichline, led his troops to the Square for that first reading, a story I tell in Easton at the Crossroads, and for the past 13 years, my husband has portrayed him, with me by his side as his wife, Catherine. This year feels especially meaningful as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
#readtherevolution #eastonpa #eastonheritageday #america250 #america250pa
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