Celebrating America: Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence

The Greene County Commission is inviting both local media and the public to attend a reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the Rotunda of the Historic Courthouse. An ice cream social will follow the ceremony.
WHO: Former Missouri Governor Jeremiah "Jay" Nixon will serve as special guest. Gov. Nixon is a descendant of Colonel John Nixon, the ceremonial town crier who gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776. He will be joined by many state and local officials, including Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and Former Greene County Circuit Judge Max Bacon.
WHAT: The Celebrating America ceremony will feature a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by an ice cream social, cohosted by the Greene County Democratic and Republican Women's Clubs. It's part of the County's America 250 events celebrating 250 years of American independence.
WHERE: Rotunda of the County's Historic Courthouse located at 940 N Boonville Ave in Springfield.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.