THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE LIVE! Friday, June 5, 2026 5PM – 9:30PM-Hastings Village Hall

Be transported to 1776 at our immersive living history experience 
celebrating 250 years of our nation’s founding document. 
 

5-8:30pm  Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk as Thomas Jefferson and exciting historic reenactors share life in the American Revolution and how they wrote and fought for our founding principles. Meet patriots, loyalists, indigenous and enslaved reenactors in the crowd and ask, “whose side are you on? Don’t miss the local spinner, weaver, camp cook and town joiner (woodworker).  Revolutionary music, immersive creative play and 18th century games by Philipse Manor Hall.  


5-8pm See the real Declaration and authentic historic documents at The Promise of Liberty exhibit in Hastings Village Hall Gallery. AND stop by the Barnes Room at the Library for America 250: Symbols of Our Story, the final project exhibition of Mr. Smith’s SUPA American History Class’ Smithsonian Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program.


8:30 pm Our grand finale! Don’t miss the premiere of our original Theatrical Reading of the Declaration by many voices. Directed by Rachel Wineberg with local actors, experience the determination and passion of the bold ideas that shaped our nation in turbulent times. 


Free! Food and libations for purchase from Captain Lawrence Food Truck and participating Hastings restaurants! 


Brush up on the Declaration before June 5th!  
See The 27 Grievances Against King George III in the windows of 555 Warburton Ave. on the corner of Warburton and Spring Street. Attend Declaration Deep Dive with Hastings High School History Chair, Mr. Gregg Smith and Fred Charles of Revolutionary Hastings on May 28 @ 7pm at the Hastings Library Orr Room. And don’t miss the Giant Declaration Banner on Hastings Village Hall!