Declare Independence
The Declaration of Independence
Read the full text adopted July 4, 1776 — the founding statement of American ideals, and the reason the holiday exists. "When in the course of human events it becomes necessary… a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation"
A History of the Fourth
Public readings of the Declaration are the holiday's oldest tradition. How Lincoln fought to keep it, and remade what it meant.
Jefferson's Rough Draught
Congress debated Jefferson's original text for two and a half days and struck roughly a quarter of it — including his forceful denunciation of slavery.
Constitution Day
September 17 marks the day delegates signed the Constitution in 1787 — federal law calls for an educational program every year.
Juneteenth
June 19, 1865: freedom finally reached the last enslaved Americans in Texas. A petition to reclaim the holiday's true colors, and Douglass's own words on the Fourth of July.
Preceptors
Aristotle, John Locke, the Magna Carta, and the English Bill of Rights — the ideas the Declaration drew on.
The American Revolution
A historic portal linking to primary sources — petitions, proclamations, letters, and speeches of the Revolution.
Petition for Redress
Public petitions already underway, and a concise guide to asking your local Fourth of July organizers — and your city council — to bring back the reading.
White Liberal Blues
A poem, and a poetic petition, addressed to the organizers of the Waterfront Blues Fest and the St. Paul Rodeo.
About and Comments
Our mission statement, the growing list of Americans who've signed on, and how to add your own voice.