Reading of the Declaration of Independence with John Adams

What did the Declaration of Independence mean to the people who wrote it and the nation that first heard it read aloud?

Step back into July 1776 as John Adams brings the words of the Declaration of Independence to life in a powerful living history performance by scholar Bill Chrystal. Hear the document as it would have been heard in its own time and gain insight into the ideas, arguments, and tensions that shaped the birth of American democracy.

Following the reading, “John Adams” will take questions from the audience about the Declaration itself. The evening concludes with an open conversation with Bill Chrystal as a scholar, offering historical context and reflections on why the Declaration still matters today.

This event is for curious adults who enjoy thoughtful conversation, history brought to life, and opportunities to engage directly with scholars and performers.

William G. “Bill” Chrystal is a nationally recognized living history scholar and performer, best known for his portrayals of Alexander Hamilton and John Adams. A former Navy Chaplain and longtime pastor, he has presented hundreds of Chautauqua programs across the country and hosted the nationally syndicated radio program The Thomas Jefferson Hour. Moderator Chris Cavanaugh is a high school Social Studies teacher with over 30 years of classroom experience. A James Madison Foundation Senior Fellow, he has been a passionate advocate for civic education for nearly as long as he has been teaching.

Event Schedule

5:00–5:15 pm: John Adams reads the Declaration of Independence

5:15–5:30 pm: Audience Q&A with John Adams

5:30–6:00 pm: Scholar Q&A with Bill Chrystal

This program is made possible in part through partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Leach Foundation, and BSC’s Bringing Humanities to Life.