In early 2026, I was not sure just how well America 250 - the Semiquincentennial - was going to be. It seemed to have begun very slow but became a "thing" rather quickly come later spring, and all of a sudden we began to see "America 250" on all kinds of items, including Coca Cola bottles, beer bottles and cans, potato chip packaging, shirts, and then advertisements for Semiquincentennial picnics, historical presentations, even movies (A Great Awakening and Young Washington). By the week of the 4th of July, it seemed the red white and blue was everywhere. And then, shortly before the 4th of July, Europeans were flocking here in droves to watch the World Cup games, praising America all the way and showing their disdain for the lying media of their own countries: these visitors from across the Atlantic loved our beautiful sites (mountains, lakes, rivers, fields), our stores, restaurants, and our friendliness. Of course, I was eating it all up and preparing for our big 4th of July bash at Mill Race Village (click HERE).
Even after the 4th of July passed, the celebrations weren't quite done just yet...
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In this Semiquincentennial year of 2026, I seem to have been going non-stop, and enjoying every step and really trying to get the most out of America 250. Just when you think it might slow down, some very cool things pop up - gotta check 'em all out!
Like this Declaration reading.
I was not aware until sometime in June this was going to happen. For some reason, it was kept quiet - not sure why, but a souvenir shop employee let the cat out of the bag in mid-June that The Henry Ford was going to have such a reading.
Why was this not announced much earlier?
I know they plan far ahead of time for any event they have - nothing spur of the moment - so they must've known about it.
I know they plan far ahead of time for any event they have - nothing spur of the moment - so they must've known about it.
Oh well, at least they did take part, which did make me very happy.
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| Besides Greenfield Village, many metro-Detroit area communities had Declaration readings. |
All across America, on July 8, 2026, there were simultaneous Readings of the Declaration of Independence.
We here in Michigan joined in.
Sterling Heights: Over 100 people gathered on a football field to form the shape of "250" and recited the text in unison.
Ann Arbor: Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) read sections of the document aloud and dedicated veterans' family benches.
St. Clair Shores: Local leaders, veterans, and historical color guards hosted a synchronized reading at the Veterans Memorial Park bandshell.
Dearborn: The Henry Ford (Greenfield Village) hosted a signature regional commemoration with a 6:00 p.m. reading in Greenfield Village.
Greater West Bloomfield: Neighboring communities held joint synchronized public readings to mark the historic 1776 anniversary.
And that's just the Metro-Detroit area (I'm sure I missed a few). I know that the Michigan cities of Northville and Lansing (our state capitol) also had readings that day. Dozens more joined in.
So, yeah, this is pretty awesome.
You probably figured out I went to the reading that took place at Greenfield Village.
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| A replica of the John Dunlap print from July 4, 1776 Philadelphia. I set up this vignette at my home with this replica. |
Sharing the Spirit of America July 8, 1776 - July 8, 2026.
Why July 8th?
To commemorate the First Reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
"On July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence outside Philadelphia's State House, which is now known as Independence Hall. Even though Congress had approved the document on July 4, this public reading of the Declaration four days later was when citizens first heard the news, formally marking the birth of their new nation."
Here's what my paper says:
Welcome! Join communities across Michigan on July 8, 2026, to publicly read the Declaration of Independence—here’s when, where, and how to take part.
How it Works:
a statewide moment you can make your own.
So to commemorate the 250th anniversary of this event, on July 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM EDT, Michigan will lift its voice—together—in a synchronized reading of the Declaration of Independence. This isn’t a reenactment; it’s a renewal. We’re inviting every community, in multiple languages, to hear and claim the promises that launched a nation.
Everyone belongs here. If the Declaration doesn’t speak to you directly, your voice still matters. Hosts may include brief, respectful alternative voices that reflect the founding principles—consent of the governed, unalienable rights, equal dignity under the law—so that every person is seen and heard.
The Declaration’s words—“all men (the reader forgot to mention all men and only said "men") are created equal”—were proclaimed by a small circle of wealthy, well‑educated men in powdered wigs, many of whom denied those very rights to others. And yet those words sparked Unfinished Revolutions: abolishing slavery; restoring and lifting Indigenous voices; expanding the vote; welcoming immigrants; empowering civil rights and labor movements; sending girls to school—then into laboratories—legislatures—and low Earth orbit. The arc is imperfect—and still bending—because ordinary people keep showing up to make the text true.
At its heart, this event affirms two enduring truths: “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it,” and “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that “all men (the reader forgot to mention all men and only said "men") … endowed by their Creator… with certain unalienable Rights… among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” On July 8, we gather not only to read these words, but to live them—locally, lawfully, and together.
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| I created my own small Declaration vignette |
I have to admit, I went to this reading as a strong skeptic, for I know how sometimes Greenfield Village can be. But, aside for one small thing, which shall remain nameless here, it was done very well. I was very impressed.
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| Just outside of the Henry Ford Museum's facade. |
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| My personal opinion is they should have had the reading right here in front of Michigan's own Independence Hall/Philadelphia State House. |
We walked inside the museum.
While there Lynn wanted to check out the Fabric of America exhibit:
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| ...where she found a silk colonial dress from 1770 to around 1790 on display... and much more~~~ |
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| The three of us took plenty of period-style images together, including standing on the stairway that is located beneath the clock tower foyer. I think it's wonderful that the foyer inside the front doors is also replicated to look the same as the original located inside Philadelphia's Independence Hall. |
I wish they would allow us to pose on different areas of the stairs, especially at the top where the beautiful balcony is.
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| How grand! Especially with two lovely ladies! |
We stayed in the area where we were supposed to be. We don't want any trouble lol~
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| Here is Charlotte, wearing her Martha Washington clothing, stepping down the stairs with courtly grace and carriage. No, she did not go to the top of the stairway - we just went to the small landing. |
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| A reenactment of me reading the Declaration in front of the replicated State House. |
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| Charlotte, myself, and Lynn. |
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| One evening I decided to try to create a few sort of atmospheric images... |
Because the original 1776 handwritten and signed engrossed copy on parchment, done by Timothy Matlack, began fading, and as the Revolutionary generation began passing away from life and memory, Congress authorized 200 exact copies of the Declaration to be created and distributed as an educational project. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams commissioned William J. Stone in 1823 to create these exact physical replicas. For Stone to make an exact copy without any means of a copy machine or photograph, he pressed damp parchment directly against the original document to lift the ink, transferred it to a copperplate, and engraved it.
Only 31 of these survive today.
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| When I posted these photos on Facebook, I received numerous kind comments, one of which touched me like no other: "There is something so powerful about this!" |
What this means is nearly all modern reproductions and facsimiles we purchase today stem from these 1823 engravings made on that copperplate by Mr. Stone. That same copperplate, which is housed by the National Archives, is the master template for the vast majority of replicas available.
So one evening this past spring, I decided to take a few photos of the Declarations in my collection using only candlelight for light. Sometimes my camera works very well in such low light, as it did this night, while other times it can be rough.
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| Almost as if it was just recently signed. |
So now let's head over to Town Hall in Greenfield Village to witness history.
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| The hand out that was given to us. |
I thanked her profusely - wrinkles or not---better than nothing at all!
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| On the back of the hand out lists the events of the program. |
Sharing the Spirit of America
Join us in Greenfield Village as we partake in a nationwide commemoration of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. July 8 will mark the 250th anniversary of this historic moment, and community gatherings across the country will simultaneously re-create the occasion with synchronized public readings at exactly 6 p.m. Evening entry to Greenfield Village will be free to the public as The Henry Ford hosts Michigan’s signature Declaration of Independence reading.
Enjoy a relaxed evening on the Village Green brought to life with live music, historic vignettes, and Centennial games. Interactive activities will offer guests the chance to connect with community, reflect on history, and explore shared wishes for the future of our country. At 6 p.m., the same time the Declaration was first publicly read 250 years ago, a group of distinguished readers will present the Declaration of Independence in front of Town Hall.
As our community gathers at The Henry Ford and joins voices across the nation, this event serves as a reminder of the power found in coming together to recognize the moments that continue to shape America's collective story.
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The experience includes: ~Reading of the Declaration of Independence ~1876 Centennial Games on the Green ~Living History vignettes ~Live musical performances: ~Greenfield Village Trio ~1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps ~Michigan National Guard Army Band ~Cecelia Otto with vocal selections from Liberty's Song: America at 250 ~Interactive activities commemorating the Declaration of Independence: ~Weave a Wish For America at 250 ~Experiment With History: Would I have signed the Declaration in 1776? ~Discover the Declaration of Independence in multiple languages with America250MI ~Artifact exploration with University of Michigan Clements Library ~A variety of food and beverage options available for purchase |
I did not see all of these extras taking place, though some were.
A few years back, before I began volunteering on the 4th of July at Mill Race Village, I used to visit Greenfield Village for that holiday. And so, while visiting the Village one particular year I set up a photo opp of me reading the Declaration to a few friends who joined me:
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| There were no visitors around so we set up our own little scenario of the Declaration of Independence being read, much in the same way it may have happened in towns across the newly formed states back in 1776. |
The Norris family lived near Independence Hall (home of the colonial legislature), and in later life Deborah Norris recalled standing in her yard behind a fence and listening to the first-ever reading of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. Just 14 at the time, she took note of the fact that the crowd was a small one and that (in the sardonic phrasing of her mature self): "those among them who joined in the acclamation were not the most sober or reflecting."
Quaker Deborah Norris Logan was fourteen in the summer of 1776. In a diary she started many years later, which included remembrances, she described what she saw and heard on July 4 (I think it was more than likely on July 8) of that year:
From Plympton I walked the few steps further to the Daggett House.
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| Recreating a reading in front of the Giddings House. |
"It is now a matter of doubt as what hour, or how, the Declaration was given to the people. Perhaps few now remain that heard it read on that day. But of the few I am one:
being in the lot adjoining to our old mansion house in Chestnut Street, that then extended to 5th Street, I distinctly heard the words of that Instrument read to the people..."
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| Though the date she heard the Declaration may have been July 8 rather than July 4... |
"...It took place a little after twelve at noon and they then proceeded down the street,
to read it at the Court House. It was a time of fearful doubt and great anxiety with the people, many of whom were appalled at the boldness of the measure, and the first audience was (not) very numerous..."
So here we are, 250 years later from that July 8 back in 1776---welcome to July 8, 2026.
As mentioned, it was quite the steamy hot day for us, and it was even sweatier when we wore period clothing. Lucky for us - or good planning - Charlotte and her hubby found a nice shady spot on the Village Green near the Town Hall where the event would be taking place. Initially, there didn't seem to be as many people as I thought there would be, unfortunately---or so it would seem. But that would soon change.
I knew I wanted to see a few of my favorite homes inside the Village while the sun was setting before the activities began - it was the perfect time of day to get a few images with different lighting, so Lynn and I ventured to the colonial end.
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| Here I am, walking up toward the Plympton House. And what house is that in the distance? |
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| I was honored to be standing at a house that Abel Prescott, whose brother rode with Paul Revere early in the morning hours of April 19 in 1775, visited to warn about the Redcoats marching to Concord, kicking off the Revolutionary War. |
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| A warm summer's evening...er...late afternoon~~~~~ Lynn and I in front of my favorite house - the mid-18th century home of Sam Daggett~ |
Since it was before 5:00, presenters were still working inside.
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| Chuck and I inside the Daggett House |
On our way back to the Village Green, we stopped by another colonial House - the Giddings House.
It was enjoyable visiting the Village later in the day like this, but we were getting close to 5:00, and Declaration activities were planned that I didn't want to miss. I mean, I visit Greenfield Village quite frequently, but the 250th of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence is a once in a lifetime deal.
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| Here is Lynn walking up to the Giddings House. |
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| Lynn is dressed more suitable to Giddings than Daggett. |
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| Lynn's dress was very similar to the Giddings' curtains! |
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| By the time we returned to our spot on the Village Green, many more people showed up. |
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| The ceremony began at 5:00 with Patriotic tunes as performed by the 126 Army Band Michigan National Guard |
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| And the people continued pouring in. I'm certain there would have been more had the heat not been so high. |
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| Next up we enjoyed listening to the fife & drum music of the Revolutionary War era as done by the 1st Michigan Fife & Drum Corp. |
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| And even more people continued to make their way into the Village for this free event. I learned there were over a thousand people, between participants and spectators. |
Something unexpected and very cool happened next:
As what was taking place all over the country at 6:00 pm, this 2026 milestone saw over 1,000 community gatherings organized to celebrate the country's founding. Greenfield Village had chosen around a dozen different people to take part in reading the Declaration, including Mitch Albom, noted local celebrity.
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| A "military flyover" by a Black Hawk helicopter occurred right at 6:00 - signaling that it was time to read the Declaration! |
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| There's the shot I was hoping to capture - with the Martha-Mary Chapel. |
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| Mitch is an author and a radio host on WJR radio. |
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| Hot or not, at least it did not rain! |
Then they asked all in attendance to read the final line printed in the handout:
"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
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| I see Lynn sitting on the blanket, Charlotte in a chair, and a few modern-dressed friends (Gordy, Ian & Carrie, and their daughter Nadia). |
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| A line up of Declaration readers. I'm glad there was a variety of readers, all of whom did a fine job. |
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| A spectator offered to snap my picture - thank you, whoever you are. |
Singers Vanessa Carr and Cecelia Otto ended the stage activities with a variety of musical selections, including some of the more recent pop tunes.
Finally the 1st Michigan Fife & Drum Corps paraded everyone out of the Village (we did not stay and participate for this last part).
I have been told by more than just one person that the word "Independence" is not in the document. So, I had to remind these Facebook University Scholars that the phrase "...Free and Independent States" - which is in the Declaration - pretty much means the same thing. And if one actually reads the document they would understand that the Declaration of Independence meant and means three main things: it was a formal "breakup notice" to Great Britain, there was a list of complaints against King George III, and it was a statement of basic human rights. It turned a colonial rebellion into an official war for a new nation.
Yes, this was truly a special evening, and a wonderful tribute.
Thank you to the powers-that-be for doing this.
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| I had been waiting for this~~~ |
The Freedom Plane is a "National Archives traveling exhibition bringing nine original Founding-era documents to eight U.S. cities in commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train, the Freedom Plane National Tour will make documents fundamental to America’s founding accessible to Americans across the country.
The documents will travel aboard a Boeing 737 in commemorative “Freedom Plane” livery—an aircraft that is helping bring these historic documents to communities nationwide."
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| The Henry Ford Museum received the nine documents safely after they arrived via a specialized flight into Detroit Metro Airport and were transferred in sealed cases. The writers of the historic documents could not even have fathomed such a traveling exhibit... In fact, there was even a ceremony when the plane landed at Detroit Metro Airport! |
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| The dome of the Henry Ford Museum: Look familiar? |
The history of the Freedom heritage tours spans three major national initiatives: the original 1947 Freedom Train, the 1976 Bicentennial Freedom Train, and the modern Freedom Plane National Tour of 2026. Each of these projects were designed to bring rare foundational U.S. documents directly to the public to inspire civic unity during times of national reflection.
It focuses on cities outside the original 13 colonies to make these historical treasures accessible to many Americans who may not otherwise be able to see them.
The 1947 Train tour had 126 documents, including the Bill of Rights, Washington’s copy of the Constitution, and the Emancipation Proclamation.
The 1976 Bicentennial Freedom Train had the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and the Civil Rights Act.
You are about to see what the 2026 Tour brings.
Now, back in June 2011, the Henry Ford Museum played host to the original Emancipation Proclamation, of which we stood in line nearly all night to capture a quick glance with no photographs allowed to be taken at all.
Though I've heard complaints from some about having to get extra FREE tickets to this current Freedom Plane Tour, I personally very much liked the way this entire display/exhibit was handled - it was done much better than having everyone standing in line, all grouped together and herded into the display area like cattle:
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| An extra ticket must be had in order to enter the exhibit area. It was free, but it kept count. Every ticket for every tour was "sold out". |
Smoother than this:
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| This was the line to see the Emancipation Proclamation back in June of 2011. Remember: this was only a two-day deal. The way they did the Freedom Plane this year was much, much better. |
When not on tour, these documents are kept in specialized, climate-controlled archival storage and conservation vaults designed to protect fragile historical artifacts. In fact, while on tour they are also kept in a temperature controlled location, whether while on the plane or in an exhibit area.
In the same manner that Charlotte, Lynn, and I snapped a few images around the replicated Independence Hall the day before, my friend Brian and I did the same, and also decided to take advantage of wearing our period clothing inside the Henry Ford Museum.
It's not often one gets a chance to grab photos while immersed in such a historic and famous background as this.
Plus...to get photos taken with such historic items as these founding documents...when I first asked Brian if he was interested, he didn't hesitate.
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| A silhouetted Brian Dewey in the front foyer of the museum. |
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| Me...at the stairway to...? Perhaps Ben Franklin will come down~~ |
The grand central staircase in the original Independence Hall leads up to the second floor, which features the long gallery, historic maps, and the old committee rooms (historic spaces used during the 18th-century colonial and revolutionary eras).
Here at the Henry Ford Museum these stairs originally led up to a mezzanine-level shrine and display area dedicated to Henry Ford, and also the way to get to the Clock Tower, but now, from what I've been told, it leads to The Henry Ford's president's office ( Patricia Mooradian).
But considering this is an exact replication of the original foyer that is roped off, we took advantage of it as best we could:
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| Brian Dewey. |
Now it was time to be off to see the reason we came this day:
The next section was known as the Revolutionary War Records:
After eight long years of war, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783, formally recognizing the United States as an independent nation. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay negotiated with Great Britain on behalf of the United States and achieved British recognition of American independence and the delineation of land boundaries that allowed for America’s westward expansion. The last page of the treaty bears the signatures of the American negotiators and that of David Hartley, who represented Great Britain.
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| The Freedom Plane logo. |
So let's check out the 2026 Freedom Plane Tour:
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| When we went on this first day of the exhibit, they had no hand-outs. However, when my friend Lynn went a few days later, they did - lucky for me she got an extra for me. Thank you Lynn! |
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| What's cool is that on the inside they have what is in the exhibit. Again, Thank you, Lynn! |
As we waited in line to get in, there were wonderful backdrops~~~
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| What a cool poster to have - yes, I would love to have something like this! |
The documents were not placed inside the usual exhibit area for two reasons, I believe:
1) By having America's papers available for all to see for free, they were placed inside a hallway room adjacent to the Museum so the visitor would not have to pay to get into the museum itself. To walk the long front hallway is free to all, and this exhibit was down at the far end. I admire that.
2) The usual exhibit room was occupied by another collection (on textiles).
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| Inside the exhibit area where America's founding documents were located. |
To prepare for the Freedom Plane National Tour, The Henry Ford set up a specialized rotunda-style display, lowered gallery lighting to protect the delicate parchments, and established a free timed-entry reservation system. The reduced ambient light levels in the display gallery prevents light damage and preserves the fragile, centuries-old historical artifacts.
The founding-era documents are chronologically grouped into thematic sections:
The first is called Pre-War Resistance~~~~~
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| "The Articles of Association (also known as the Continental Association) was a foundational economic boycott implemented by the First Continental Congress on October 20, 1774. In response to the British Parliament’s Coercive Acts, delegates from 12 colonies agreed to ban the import, export, and consumption of British goods." |
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| The displays were set up wonderfully to make each document easy to read. |
From what I understand, this traveling set up is more appealing than when they are in Washington D.C.!
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| George Washington’s, Alexander Hamilton’s, and Aaron Burr’s Oaths of Allegiance, 1778 |
George Washington’s troops were encamped at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, during the harsh winter of 1777–1778. In February 1778, Congress ordered all Continental Army officers to swear an oath of allegiance. Oath takers swore “the United States of America, to be Free, Independent and Sovereign States, and declare that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience to George the Third, King of Great Britain.”
Oaths were then signed and witnessed. Approximately 1,200 oaths survive in the National Archives, including these three signed by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr.
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| Perhaps my favorite display was the one for the Declaration of Independence. Plus a timeline of its development at the top. |
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| This is an official, exact facsimile engraved by Washington D.C. printer William J. Stone. Commissioned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams back in 1823 to preserve the fading original parchment, it remains the definitive visual icon of the document we see today. |
What about the original actual Declaration from 1776?
Well, the ink is now badly faded, partly because it was often rolled or folded tightly for storage (and sometimes for protection) and was occasionally dampened to make wet-transfer copies in the 1800s, such as what is seen here. Prolonged light exposure during early public exhibitions also caused fading.
As the Revolutionary generation passed from memory, Congress authorized 200 exact copies of the Declaration to be created and distributed as an educational project. Only about 30 of these survive today.
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| Treaty of Paris 1783 |
The last section was called Post-War Nation Building.
You know, this was very cool. The idea behind such a tour - to allow many from across our nation to see these founding documents without having to travel to Washington D.C. - was brilliant. I only wish I could tour it again---as I said, this tour is sold out at The Henry Ford Museum.
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| It was an honor for all of us who visited to be able to see these historic documents. |
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| The first page of David Brearley’s Secret Printing of the Constitution, 1787 |
Once the United States was free and independent, individual states retained most governing powers under the Articles of Confederation. Concerns over their effectiveness soon became evident. The new nation badly needed to pay off its war debts, and there was no method to collect taxes. A supermajority of states was required to pass most laws.
A constitutional convention was called in 1787 to address these challenges. Delegates met at Philadelphia in Independence Hall, where they scrapped the Articles of Confederation and created a new system of government under the United States Constitution.
Two printings of the draft of what eventually became the Constitution were provided to the delegates. This copy belonged to New Jersey delegate David Brearley Jr., and includes Brearley’s handwritten annotations as the delegates debated.
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| State Delegation Votes Approving the Constitution, 1787 |
For four months, delegates to the Constitutional Convention discussed what the new government should look like. Their debates, arguments, and resolutions are reflected in the convention’s voting records. This page documents the vote on the final text of the Constitution. Eleven of the 13 states voted because Rhode Island did not send delegates to the convention, and two of New York’s three delegates had already departed, thus leaving the delegation without a quorum.
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| Senate Markup of the Bill of Rights, 1789 |
After the Constitution was ratified by the states and became the supreme law of the land, Representative James Madison proposed a series of amendments. Several states advocated for additional protections for individual liberties.
This is the U.S. Senate’s “markup” of what became the Bill of Rights. On September 25, 1789, Congress passed these 12 amendments, and they were sent to the states for approval. Articles 3 through 12 were ratified in 1791, ensuring such basic American freedoms as the right to freedom of speech, freedom of worship, and freedom of assembly.
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| The honor and homage paid to these early American documents by the visitors really could be seen and felt. It was an emotional experience. |
This year I have collected some unusual things for America250, including tea towels.
Here's one that can absolutely pertain to what was here:
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| Here is a tea towel I have of the National Archives building, in which the documents we came to see are stored. |
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| Can you guess whose original signature this is? |
However, after seeing the Freedom Plane historic documents, I mentioned to Brian about The Henry Ford Museum's own collection in their 'With Liberty and Justice For All' exhibit, where they have many archived and permanently displayed American documents that are (to be totally honest) just about as awesome as what was on the Freedom Plane Tour. So we then went and visited a few of the historic documents inside The Henry Ford Museum's own collection, which is pretty amazing in and of itself.
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| I look very angry, but I am not angry at all~~~lol~~~ Well...I don't agree with King George's Stamp Act, that's for sure! I am standing near an original copy of the Stamp Act from 1765. |
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| Here is an original copy of Thomas Paine's Common Sense pamphlet from 1776. |
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| Just a few minutes earlier we were standing next to a very rare copy of the Declaration of Independent. Here's another! Yes - The Henry Ford Museum has an 1823 copy as well! |
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| Here is a 1787 "lap top" style writing desk once belonging to Thomas Jefferson. |
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| Brian also really liked the camping equipment once belonging to George Washington. |
As commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington usually did sleep and eat in the nearby homes of well-to-do people during the eight years he led the American military campaign. But among George Washington’s camp equipage were tents, this folding bed, cooking and eating utensils, and other equipment that he used when encamped on the field with his troops. Yet the George Washington camp bed in The Henry Ford’s collections is more than just a humble cot, used when no better option was available. This object symbolizes George Washington as a leader who cared more about his men and the cause of democracy than he did for himself.
But we did more than roam through the indoor Henry Ford Museum:!
If you have never been or have never heard, historic Greenfield Village is right next to the Henry Ford Museum---on the same campus. So of course we had to also make a visit there as well ~~~ ! And took a variety of photos~~~!
If you have never been or have never heard, historic Greenfield Village is right next to the Henry Ford Museum---on the same campus. So of course we had to also make a visit there as well ~~~ ! And took a variety of photos~~~!
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| I was just at the Plympton House the evening before, now here is Brian. |
This was another steamy day in the metro-Detroit area, and, yes, I was hot in my period clothing. The best spot for any of us who wear clothing from the 18th (and 19th) centuries is 'neath a shady tree.
John Giddings, the builder of this house, was born in 1728 in Exeter, New Hampshire. He married Mehetable Gilman in the fall of 1751, and since nearly every research page that mentions this house says it was constructed in that same year, I'm going to speculate that he built it a number of months beforehand with the thoughts of his new bride and the hope for a future family in mind.
I've gone to Greenfield Village in period clothing often, usually with a friend or two. I've also gone many times by myself. But I always like when a friend will join me.
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| Can you see me there in the distance? |
For me Samuel Daggett, his family and his life, just seems to fit the criteria of me if I had lived back in those mid-18th century days.
But, as for my passion for this house:
A) The house is an authentic historical artifact that was built around 1750 (my favorite time-period)
B) It is restored to look as it may have during the last half of the 18th century (yes!!)
C) As it sits inside Greenfield Village, period-dress presenters work in and around the house, doing chores and activities of those who actually lived in it when it was first built (I, myself, have watched and learned and then researched and even taught a little as well)
D) This more than likely would have been my life had I'da' lived back then (and I'm sort of experiencing it every visit to the Waterloo Log Home)
E) It is the only historical house of its kind in not only metro-Detroit, but in all of Michigan, and I even know of a husband and wife who replicated this house on their own property!
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| I always make a stop at my favorite house, especially if I am wearing period clothing. |
Oftentimes we hear from the presenters inside the Daggett home that Samuel and his family were Congregationalists in their religious beliefs. However, what is a Congregationalist in comparison to a Presbyterian, Methodist, or even Catholic?
Congregationalism in the 18th century United States consisted of Protestant churches that trace their origins mainly to Puritan settlers of colonial New England. Their churches have had an important impact on the religious, political, and cultural history of the United States. Congregationalists were also known for their interest in an educated clergy. For that reason they founded Harvard College. Later, colleges such as Dartmouth, Olivet, and Oberlin were organized by their efforts.
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| "Yes, if you could bring in some wood I can get the fire going in the hearth." |
The American Congregational community was a part of the Great Awakening, a widespread religious revival movement that began in 1734 under the influence of Jonathan Edwards, the premier theologian and "intellectual architect" of the First Great Awakening.
Congregationalism is a direct descendant of Puritanism, and Puritans were part of a strict religious movement in early American history that emphasized strict moral discipline and purity as the correct way to live as a Christian. Puritans believed that if they honored God, their colony would be blessed, and if they failed to, it would be punished. This led to strict laws, including mandatory church attendance.
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| Engulfed by the asparagus. |
It is interesting to learn that during the American Revolution, most Congregational ministers sided with the Patriots and American independence. This was largely because ministers chose to stand with their congregations who felt the British government was becoming tyrannical. Ministers were also motivated by fear that the British would appoint Anglican bishops for the American colonies. This had been proposed as a practical measure; American bishops could ordain Anglican priests in the colonies without requiring candidates for ordination to travel to England. Congregationalists, however, remembered how their Puritan ancestors were oppressed by bishops in England and had no desire to see the same system in America.
In the 18th century, Congregationalists in New England lived lives deeply intertwined with their church community, prioritizing strict moral conduct, regular church attendance, education, and active participation in local governance, where church membership often correlated with the right to vote; their daily lives were heavily influenced by Puritan values, with a focus on hard work, family life, and living according to biblical principles, while also engaging in community activities like town meetings held within the church building itself.
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| Rose with Brian |
This is what the Congregationalists, such as the Daggett family, are directly descended from and strongly believed. In fact, Sam's father, John, was a Deacon in his church - a very important position - as was his Sam's own son, Isaiah. However, I learned through research and former presenters that it seems at one point later in his life, though not sure when exactly, Sam left the Congregational church and joined the local Baptist Society of Coventry.
Why?
I cannot say for certain, for the beliefs and ties to Puritanism from both denominations were very closely related. As I learned through my research:
"18th-century American Baptists were indirect descendants of the broader Puritan and English Separatist movements, evolving out of Congregationalism
The Baptist Society of Coventry, Connecticut, while sharing some similarities with Congregationalists due to their Calvinistic roots and early presence in New England, eventually developed distinct practices and beliefs. Both denominations stemmed from Puritanism, but the Baptists emphasized believer's baptism (baptism of adults who profess faith) rather than infant baptism, a key point of divergence."
So that could be our answer; perhaps Samuel questioned the tenets (or authority) of this church. I was also told his switch to Baptist may have caused some possible tension between he and Isaiah.
Either way, the Daggetts were very involved in their respective churches. I have little doubt that Anna and the girls might have followed the man of the house.
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| No, I did not lift the wheel barrow. Looks like I'm about to.... |
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| Brian, being dressed in a higher class than I, was more suitable to the Giddings House, known back in the day as the Mansion House. This house was built around the same time as the more rural Daggett House - early 1750s. |
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| Having a conversation on the 2nd floor of the Giddings House. |
Today, Brian Dewey was that friend:
Being that John Giddings was a merchant, and in shipping (and also, so I've read, a physician and was sometimes referred to as "Dr. Giddings"), he and his wife maintained social and business contacts that helped to further his local, regional, and international business interests. He and Mehetable had to "keep up appearances," both with their possessions, the home they lived in, and in the entertainment they offered their guests.
This was a fine historical day indeed!
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| A couple of fine fellows looking to see if Mr. Giddings may be home, for there were items we had hoped to purchase from him. |
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| Toward the back of the Noah Webster House, which was built in 1822. |
As I said at the top of today's post, it was quite a fine whirlwind holiday week for me:
Thursday July 2nd - Salute to America
Thursday July 2nd - Salute to America
Saturday July 4th - Celebrating Independence Day like it was 1776
Sunday July 5th - Saw the movie "Young Washington"
Wednesday July 8th - Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Thursday July 9th - Visiting the Freedom Plane Documents
Throw in the visits to the historic structures at Greenfield Village, and you can see I've had quite the historic time. And I haven't even mentioned the events I did leading up to the 4th.
Dare I say I have enjoyed the Semiquincentennial more than I enjoyed the Bicentennial.
What made the difference?
I have been able to participate here in 2026---and boy! Did I ever!
And it was all so patriotic.
I think what also made me very happy was seeing so many of my friends on both sides of the political fence happily and patriotically celebrating.
I wrote the following back in the early winter of 2015:
"...the shame would be for such a major event as the sestercentennial anniversary of the birth of our country to be forgotten about with little mention (sestercentennial was the name I was told the 250th was to be called - not the semiquincentennial as we know it to be). To be honest, I haven't heard much talk at all about it, which causes me concern that there will be little fanfare. I mean, look at the meager remembrances for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 (the War that gave us the "Star-Spangled Banner"!). Greenfield Village gave a commemoration for two years with hardly any advertising at all. The media all but ignored it.
"...the shame would be for such a major event as the sestercentennial anniversary of the birth of our country to be forgotten about with little mention (sestercentennial was the name I was told the 250th was to be called - not the semiquincentennial as we know it to be). To be honest, I haven't heard much talk at all about it, which causes me concern that there will be little fanfare. I mean, look at the meager remembrances for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 (the War that gave us the "Star-Spangled Banner"!). Greenfield Village gave a commemoration for two years with hardly any advertising at all. The media all but ignored it.
So what will happen for the 250th Revolutionary War anniversary?
Well, it is my fervent hope that there will be the same vim and vigor that occurred for the 150th Civil War, with tons of historical reenactments, real and true programming, and a national celebration of which will not be seen for another 50 years.
Maybe even border the frolicking festivities that occurred nearly 50 years earlier in that bicentennial year of 1976!
And hopefully it will be a celebration and not a condemnation as what seems to be so popular in our culture today.
Only time will tell."
"...the same vim and vigor that occurred for the 150th Civil War"?
I should say so! More, if you are being totally honest!
So...I give it two thumbs up!
I believe we did pretty darn good as a country in the 250th celebrations, and it ain't over yet.
I believe we did pretty darn good as a country in the 250th celebrations, and it ain't over yet.
But you can see even eleven years earlier I was having concerns.
I think the occurrences during this 4th of July holiday week that pleased me much more than anticipated is the fact that the Reading of the Declaration of Independence had a packed house - around a thousand people. And then hearing that the Freedom Plane Documents, which required an extra free ticket to see the exhibit, were all given out.
Screw the media who keeps insisting that Americans hate America and are not celebrating. I saw friends on all sides of the political spectrum, and they were smiling and celebrating and very happy as well.
One more thing - - here is a portion of an article from The Detroit News:
History takes flight: Rare founding documents arrive at The Henry Ford
Dearborn — July 8, 2026 --- Alyssa Tisch The Detroit News
Centuries-old documents rested beneath glass in a dimly lit gallery at The Henry Ford on Wednesday, where visitors will soon have the chance to examine the pages, signatures, and words that helped shape the nation's history.
While the Fourth of July may have passed, Michigan's celebration of America's 250th anniversary marches forward with a new exhibit at the Dearborn museum.
Nine founding documents, traveling aboard a Boeing 737 specially decorated for the occasion, touched down Monday on Michigan soil. The traveling exhibit, called "Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged America," opens to the public on Thursday at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn. It runs through July 26.
The Henry Ford in Dearborn is one of only eight cities where these documents will be exhibited. The exhibit was inspired by the 1976 Bicentennial Freedom Train.
Patrick Madden, CEO of the National Archives Foundation, explained to The Detroit News that the foundation selected a few, special cities in areas that do not often get to experience founding history.
"It's a chance for us to get founding documents out of Washington and share them with the American public for the 250th," Madden said. "So intentionally, there's no sites in the original 13 colonies. There's already a lot of old documents and stuff around the founding there. So, how can we get out to major markets where it has as much reach as possible and then have people experience these things that honestly, even if you came to Washington, you wouldn't see this."
Detroit specifically offered both a rich history and large market, Madden said.
"Detroit to me is one of those major markets," he said. "It's iconic with its history of entrepreneurship, innovation, and obviously international component to it as well. I'll be curious afterwards to see if there's folks are from Canada come over and see it."
Patricia Mooradian, The Henry Ford's president and CEO, said she was honored to receive the email from the National Archives Foundation in December 2025.
“We were delighted to be selected," Mooradian said. "We really felt like it was an important thing to do for our community, the community of Detroit and the greater region, to bring these documents, which don't travel together to the city. It was a really important decision for us to make, and it was not a hard one to make. We said yes immediately."
There are also measures that need to be taken at each stop of the tour.
"It's a lot of work and it's a lot of people involved," McDonald said. "It's conservators, there's archivists, security people. Then we work with local venues to make sure that they have the right facility to hold the documents securely, have the right temperature and humidity control."
"Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged America" will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Henry Ford, with special extended hours until 8 p.m. on July 23, before closing July 26. Tickets are sold out, but officials may add viewing opportunities.
Trying to get the most out of America 250~~~
Until next time, see you in time.
The following are links to more Revolutionary War and Declaration of Independence history:
The Henry Ford Museum has amassed a very large collection of Revolutionary War-era objects over the years. And it is an amazing assemblage of original Revolutionary War artifacts on display for all the world to see, telling the story of America's fight for Independence. An original Stamp Act notification. A letter written by Benedict Arnold. George Washington's camp bed, a coffee pot made by Paul Revere, a writing desk that once belonged to Thomas Jefferson...yeah...this is some great stuff here!
These artifacts had been displayed prominently during the Bicentennial in 1976. The Henry Ford has since put many of those objects in their "With Liberty and Justice For All" exhibit. I did a posting based solely around the 18th century items...and here 'tis.
What does the Declaration of Independence and our celebration of this great document every 4th of July mean to you? Is it a chance to party? A time for burgers 'n' dogs barbecues? Spending the day at the beach? Fireworks?
Well, hopefully each of these suggestions will play a part in your celebration.
So...how did the original 1st independence day generation celebrate?
Here's how....
It wasn't only the famous Founding Fathers like Franklin, Jefferson, and Adams that took their lives into their own hands during this time by writing and signing this most famous of documents; 'twas the printers who printed such seditious articles that also found themselves in as much danger for spreading the rebellious words.
For this post I thought I would write about the Declaration from a slightly different angle; I want to give a little kudos to the men who originally printed out the broadsides to be sent out right off the presses for public reading back in that summer of 1776, for they put their lives on the line as treasonists nearly as much as the signers did.
From the idea of declaring independence to composing to printing and then delivering this most important American document...oh yeah, there is a lot more history to our Declaration than I ever realized!
Something very special happened almost 250 years ago, but is that story being promoted?
Come on a time-travel visit to colonial America during that hot summer of 1776 and learn, first hand, of the accounts on how we were making a new and independent nation.
Many believe the Declaration of Independence was signed on the 4th of July in 1776. But it wasn't. In fact, it was nearly a month later, in August of 1776, when most signers put their name to this most important and famous document.
In the late 18th century, America had several flags, most evolving from colonial, regional, and revolutionary banners to the first official "Stars and Stripes" adopted by Congress on June 14, 1777.
This post has photos of replications of most of them, along with a short history of each.
Yes, you heard right! Actual photos of the men who fought in the Revolutionary War. Of course, the pictures were taken when the men were of an old age many years after the war had ended, but still...looking into the eyes of those who were there - of those who actually saw (and heard) George Washington, heard about the Declaration of Independence when it was current news, and saw the British surrender at Yorktown - is quite a thrill.
I have been gearing up for this for over a decade, and there was no disappointment. I am so very proud of what we all have been able to accomplish in our celebrations and what we'd been able to present to the public - and it's still going on...the best ever!
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