06/02/2026
"And for the support of the 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."
When the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia, copies were carried to local communities and read in public to an anxious crowd. Some celebrated the news, but not everyone was glad to hear that war was coming.
Experience what it might have felt like for local families to be gathered together in that moment, as reenactors portray the different perspectives of the community living then. You may be asked to sign up to serve in the newly formed continental army, or to sign the Oath of Allegiance! Then come together for a historically inspired meal.
Fast forward 50 years to the celebration that was held in Dillsburg in 1826 to mark the 50th anniversary of the day that 13 British colonies declared themselves independent. The final event of the evening will be a punch ceremony and toast. The punch ceremony is an adaptation of one aspect of a military dining-in. We will build a punch with each ingredient’s significance noted and offer toasts to the Sons and Daughters of Liberty as they did on this site on July 4th, 1826.
Pre-registration is required through the link below, and you must be 21 or older to attend. Dinner will consist of beef stew, homemade bread with pounded cheese spread, grand sallet of beets, historic desserts, and two beverages of choice will be offered (unlimited water), tea, lemonade or shrub, beer, wine, or hard cider. Also included is the punch for the toasts at the end.
We invite you to dress in 18th or early 19th century attire if desired.
Grab your tickets now:
America 250 From Oath to Toast Tickets – Dills Tavern, Fri Jul 3, 2026 - Join the celebrations as we relive the first reading of the Declaration of Independence and the 50th anniversary of signing of the Declaration. (NYCHAPS reserves the right to cancel an event due to low enrollment, inclement w...
