July 8, 1776

The first public readings of the Declaration of Independence took place on Monday, July 8, 1776. In his Pennsylvania Packet, John Dunlap printed the Declaration, as well as a last-minute announcement of the public reading in Philadelphia, scheduled for noon at the state house, which later became known as Independence Hall. 

Dunlap’s Pennsylvania Packet or the General Advertiser
Printed by John Dunlap

THIS DAY, at Twelve o’clock, the DECLARATION of INDEPENDENCE, will be PROCLAIMED at the STATE-HOUSE.