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 | 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!)
Tavern Stroll
Sunday, September 13. See the Schedule of Events section for details.
Free and open to all — no tickets necessary. Bring the entire family!
Step back in time and stroll through Weston’s historic landscape, beginning with a visit to the Golden Ball Tavern — our “Tory Tavern” — before joining a parade led by George Washington and other revolutionary figures down Boston Post Road past the historic Burgoyne Elm site to the Josiah Smith Tavern, where visitors can enjoy a lively reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the Josiah Smith Tavern, followed by colonial games and revolutionary entertainments. First Parish Church will hold Declaration-themed celebrations at the same time. Food, local arts and crafts, and horse-drawn carriage rides available for purchase.
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 Tavern Stroll
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Schedule of Events
12:00–1:00 Tour the Golden Ball Tavern
1:00 Tavern Stroll begins, with
- George Washington and his men
- Abigail Adams
- Paul Revere and his horse
- Fife & drum music
- Two horse-drawn carriages
Pass by the Burgoyne Elm, where Weston historian Pam Fox will explain why Weston’s venerable elm was named after a British general
Arrive at the Josiah Smith Tavern, where there will be
- Colonial games
- A Raree Show (hand-crafted, portable peep-show box showing miniature animated stories)
- Carriage Rides
- Land’s Sake and other food vendors
- Arts and Crafts
2:00 Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence
3:00 and 3:30 Revolution-themed Magic Lantern performance
First Parish Church
Sunday, September 13, 2026
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
12:00–4:00 Fun and entertainment around the Town Green and Josiah Smith Tavern, including the above Tavern Stroll events and Lizzy’s ice cream and outdoor games sponsored by First Parish Church.
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 Tavern Stroll 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.