Readings of the Declaration of Independence and Frederick Douglass’s 1852 Oration

In honor of Independence Day 2024, the Beinecke Library will continue its tradition of public readings on July 5 at 4pm on the library mezzanine, featuring the Declaration of Independence from July 4, 1776,  and Frederick Douglass’ speech delivered on July 5, 1852, in Rochester, New York, where he posed the question: “What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July?”

These readings will be part of an exhibition running from June 20 to July 15, showcasing the first printing of the Declaration and other significant national historical documents. The Beinecke exhibition hall is free and open to all seven days a week (closed on July 4). For more information on daily hours, visit the library’s website: https://beinecke.library.yale.edu/