Clarke Historical Library

Sharing the Spirit of America Tool Kit: Ready When You Are!

What if every corner of Michigan—and the nation and world—read the Declaration of Independence at the same time?

On July 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM EDT, Michigan will lift its voice—together—in a synchronized public reading of the Declaration of Independence. This is not a reenactment; it’s a renewal. We’re inviting every community and municipality to hear and claim the promises that launched a nation.

Across Michigan, the nation, and the world, communities will come together for Sharing the Spirit of America—a shared public reading of one of our nation’s most important documents—as we commemorate the Semiquincentennial of America’s 250th anniversary and honor the Declaration of Independence.

To help communities participate, we’ve created a downloadable Host Tool Kit with everything you need to get started, including:

A host tool kit with step-by-step guidance
An interactive map to show where readings will take place across Michigan
A multilingual resource center with the Declaration in 12 languages
A branding and media kit
A respect & safety code and ADA accessibility standards

👉 Ready to begin? Visit the Sharing the Spirit of America page at the America250MI Community Hub:
www.America250MI.org/sharing-the-spirit-of-america

This Thursday, June 11, Isabella County Government - Parks and Recreation are hosting a rededication celebration for the 25th anniversary of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. If you're in the area, go check it out and support some local Isabella County history in the making!