The Fourth of July
The Fourth of July commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by Congress on July 4, 1776, which officially declared the 13 established colonies as legally separate from Great Britain and the establishment of the United States of America as an independent nation. As an annual national holiday, Independence Day symbolizes the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy, and is a powerful reminder of our history and commitment to an inclusive society that upholds liberty and justice for all.
While this page is the result of a collaborative effort, it is not a comprehensive resource. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to explore other resources and to feel free to share those that may add to the richness of this page. Please email any insights to [email protected].
Read along with the Constitution's Preamble as it communicates the intentions and purpose of this important document (Duration: 00:52, The United States Courts, 2018).
Events
Local Events
The City of Gulfport
July 4, 2024│ 8 AM-9:30 PM│Downtown Gulfport
All are welcome to come out and celebrate Independence Day with the City of Gulfport. In the morning, compete in the Fishing Derby or Family Sand Sculpture contest and in the evening enjoy the Gulfport Independence Day Parade and fireworks display.
The City of St. Petersburg
July 4, 2024│ 4 PM-10 PM│Spa Beach Park & Family Park on the St Pete Pier
The traditional Fourth of July fireworks show sponsored by the City of St. Pete is scheduled for Thursday, July 4th, at 9 pm and will be visible from the entire Downtown waterfront
Learn
Independence Day: July 4th
The Smithsonian
From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to cookouts, parades, and fireworks, take a look through the collections and reflect upon the definition of liberty and equality
Patriotic Melodies
The Library of Congress
Patriotic Melodies tells the stories behind many of the songs that have now become apart of the United States' heritage
The United States of America's Revolution
The United States' Revolution
The National Park Service
A brief history of the United States' Revolution
The Declaration of Independence
The United States Immigration Services
Read and reflect on the Declaration of Independence
People of the American Revolution
The National Park Service
An overview of the key players of the United States' Revolutionary War
Battlefields of the Revolutionary War
The National Park Service
Explore the landmarks of the Revolutionary War
Freedom for All
July 4th, Independence Day, is a celebration of the birth of the United States as an independent nation, and founding ideals that make the collective celebration of a host of other annual observances possible
Civil Rights in St. Petersburg
Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
Explore local civil rights history
LGBTQ+ Civil Rights History
Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
Civil rights movements have shaped the United States
Engage
Principles of the American Revolution
Reflect on the text of the Declaration of Independence and the historical context that influenced the thinkers of the Revolution (Duration, 7:41, The National Constitution Center).
Explore the influences that George Mason and the Virgina Declaration had on the Bill of Rights (Duration, 16:37, The National Constitution Center).
Drawing on the writings of Supreme Court Justices Louis Brandeis and Oliver Wendell Holmes, reflect on the central role civil dialogue has played in American democracy throughout history and today (Duration, 5:42, The National Constitution Center).
Resources
National Resources
National Archives – Learn more
Office of the Historian – Learn more
Library of Congress – Learn more