Rain Plans for Declaration Day,
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Tavern Stroll Cancelled
Come to the Josiah Smith Tavern, 12:30 to 3:30
Colonial children’s games
Magic lantern shows
Raree shows
Declaration of Independence Reading:
begins at 3:00 with George Washington and his men, along with Abigail Adams present.
Fife and Drums
Cider and Donuts
...and more!
Weston Declaration Day Celebrations
Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Reading of the Declaration of Independence in the Town of Weston
In the summer of 1776, the Massachusetts Bay Council ordered the Declaration of Independence read aloud in every parish across the state—ensuring that from Boston to the smallest country towns, the founding document reached the ears of the people. On Sunday, September 8, Reverend Samuel Woodward proclaimed it from the pulpit of First Parish Church in Weston. Two hundred and fifty years later, we are planning two occasions to hear it again.
Benefit Cocktail Party
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
5:30–7:30 PM
Weston Town Hall auditorium
Come hear a lively reading of the Declaration of Independence — the very words that rang out here a quarter-millennium past — and enjoy Colonial-era hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Proceeds benefit the Weston Historical Society. Dress: Festive Colonial (or just festive!)
Josiah Smith Tavern Celebrations
Sunday, September 13, 2026
12:30–3:30 PM
See the Rain Plans at top of page for updated details.
Free and open to all — no tickets necessary. Bring the entire family!
Step back in time and visit the Josiah Smith Tavern, where you can enjoy a lively reading of the Declaration of Independence, along with colonial games and revolutionary entertainments.
Come celebrate Weston’s place in the founding of the nation.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Stars and Stripes Sponsors:
Declaration Day events are being organized by a Declaration Day Committee chaired by Diana Chaplin and Artemis Willis for the benefit of the Weston Historical Society. Committee Members: Alli Achtmeyer, Jeff Barz-Snell, Kristin Batejan, Avery Chaplin, Julia Chaplin, Em Dickson, Ted Dickson, Pam Fox, Heather Hilton, Alix Keating, Tricia Liu, Kate McGovern, Kathryn Miller, Elizabeth O’Connell, Tom Paine, Molly Varnau, and Gardi Willis.
What happened in Weston?
Complete Video Series Now Available
All eight episodes of “One Town in the American Revolution” are now available to watch.
These short (three-to-four-minute) videos focus on Weston people and events in 1774 and 1775, the two tumultuous years leading up to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. Written by Pam Fox of the Weston Historical Society, the videos were produced by Alanna Muldoon of Weston Media Center and narrated by Alanna Muldoon (episodes 1–5) and Tim Armour (episodes 6–8).
Declaration Day at Josiah Smith Tavern
Sunday, September 13, 2026
See Rain Plans at top of page for updated schedule and activities.
First Parish Church
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Check First Parish Church’s event page for further updates.
Rev. Samuel Woodward, minister of First Parish Church, read the Declaration of Independence after the Sunday service on September 8, 1776 — the first reading in Weston. To commemorate the 250th anniversary, events at the church will include:
12:00 Rev. Jeff Barz-Snell will read the Declaration of Independence on the First Parish lawn after Sunday services
12:30–2:30 Clock Tower Climb to see the Paul Revere Bell
4:00 Lecture: “Lighting the Fire of Revolution, Massachusetts in the 1770s,” featuring history teacher and historian Charles Newhall
5:00 Wine & Cheese Reception in the parlor at First Parish Church, Colonial attire welcome and encouraged
All Josiah Smith Tavern and First Parish Church events are free and open to all.
Bring the entire family!
Costumes are encouraged. Bring your water bottles.
Strollers and scooters are welcome!
Dawn Elliott and Joel Schlemowitz prepare glass slides for a magic lantern show like the one planned for September 13.
Joel Schlemowitz operates a magic lantern.
Joel Schlemowitz with the Raree Show, a hand-crafted peep-show box that will be part of the revolutionary entertainments on September 13.
Pam Fox (left) and Molly Varnau, Weston Historical Society board members, prepare for the Tavern Stroll.