A longstanding Independence Day tradition takes on added significance this year as local judicial, historical and community organizations come together to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence July 1 at Roosevelt Square.
HALL CO. GOVERNMNET NEWS RELEASE:
The event is being presented by the Hall County Courts System, the Bench and Bar Committee of the Gainesville-Northeastern Bar Association, and the Northeast Georgia History Center, with support from Hall County Government, the City of Gainesville, and Smith-Hulsey Law, and will feature:
- National Anthem sung by Brooke Morters
- Presentation of colors by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and Hall County Fire Rescue Honor Guards
- Presentation and reading of the Declaration of Independence
- Historical impersonators portraying Georgia’s three signers of the Declaration: Lyman Hall, Button Gwinnett, and George Walton
- Light refreshments and commemorative giveaways
“America’s 250th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the principles upon which our nation was founded and the role Georgia played in securing American independence,” State Court Judge Kelley Robertson said. “As judges, attorneys and community leaders, we are heirs to that tradition. We are not just keepers of the law—we are its stewards. We invite residents of all ages to join us as we celebrate our shared history and the responsibility entrusted to us to protect liberty, to preserve justice, and to serve the people.”
The event is one of several local initiatives recognizing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a ceremonial reading of the document that helped shape the nation and learn more about the Georgians who signed it on behalf of the colony.
Event Details
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
- Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Roosevelt Square, 117 Jesse Jewell Parkway, Gainesville
- Free and open to the public
- Chairs and light refreshments will be available for this outdoor event
- Restrooms are available in the City of Gainesville Administration Building
- Free parking is available in the Main Street and Hall County parking decks.
- Residents unable to attend in person will be able to watch the ceremony live on Hall County Government’s website and Vimeo channel.