Valley Forge Seeks Volunteers To Read Declaration of Independence

The Valley Forge Park Alliance (VFPA), the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service at Valley Forge National Historic Site, is seeking volunteer readers ages 18 and older to read portions of the Declaration of Independence in a collaborative reading on July 4 to mark the 250th anniversary of its signing. These readings will take place at the Maurice Stephen's House in Valley Forge National Historical Park. 

In addition to readers, the Alliance is seeking choirs to perform the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful" and frame the readings with a cappella performances. 

Performance times are scheduled for 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. on July 4, with on-site participation expected to last about two to three hours.

Ideal readers will have a strong, clear voice and the ability to convey the significance of the American colonies' break from Britain.

Selected readers must be available on July 4 and willing to participate in a rehearsal (date to be announced). To audition, applicants must submit a 90-second video of themselves reading the Preamble via the online Reader Audition Form.

Choirs may apply by submitting a sample of past performances through the online Choir Audition Form.

“This is a meaningful opportunity for community members to stand where history happened and give voice to the words that continue to define our nation,” said Valley Forge Park Alliance Executive Director Molly Duffy in a statement shared with WissNow.com. “As Valley Forge plays a central role in America's 250th anniversary, we are proud to invite the public to participate in this historic moment.”