Readings of the Declaration of Independence & Douglass’s 1852 Oration

121 Wall Street,New Haven CT 06511

05 July, 2022

Description

To mark Independence Day 2022, the Beinecke Library will renew the tradition of public readings on the library mezzanine of the Declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776, and of the oration by Frederick Douglass given on July 5, 1852, in Rochester, New York, in which he asked: “What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July?” These readings will be accompanied by an exhibition of the first editions of both works, providing an opportunity to consider how their powerful words were put on paper to be shared across and beyond the United States. Please note that seating is limited and will be available on a first-come basis. If you are unable to attend, we invite you to enjoy video of readings of the Declaration of Independence and Douglass’s Oration on the Beinecke Library YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/2RblcHw