Declaration of Independence reading set for July 4 in Jaffrey

The Declaration of Independence will be read aloud Saturday, July 4, at noon at Jaffrey’s historic 1775 Meetinghouse in Jaffrey Center.

Volunteers, including local officials, community leaders and residents, will each read short sections from the stage. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the event.

Following the reading, an ice cream social will be held in the horsesheds behind the Meetinghouse. The Little Red Schoolhouse and Melville Academy will be open, and a restored Seagrave fire engine and modern Jaffrey fire engine will be on display on the Common.

The free event is co-sponsored by the Jaffrey Center Village Improvement Society, the Jaffrey Historical Society, the Jaffrey Historic District Commission and the Selectmen’s Meetinghouse Committee of the town of Jaffrey.

All are invited to attend and celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.