"Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations"

On 2 July 1776, the Continental Congress resolved "That these United Colonies are, and of right, ought to be, Free and Independent States." In a letter written to Abigail Adams on 3 July 1776, John Adams reflected on the event and summed up what it meant for Americans of his own time and in the future. He writes, "The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America" and that the day will be celebrated with, "Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other." Adams seems to have understood more clearly than any other member of the Continental Congress the momentous importance of the vote for independence on 2 July, 1776 and how it should be celebrated. He was right about everything except the date. In celebration of America's independence, join us on Saturday, 2 July to see a selection of letters from John and Abigail Adams relating to this important moment in United States history.