The Declaration Then and Now

The event will be held Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m. in Upper Town Hall and is free for residents of all ages.

Five actors, two in colonial costume, will describe how, as England took more and more rights away from the colonists, citizens of Harvard became increasingly resistant. Votes at town meetings and writings by Rev. Joseph Wheeler show that Harvard took steps toward independence even before Jefferson declared it. A dramatic reading of much of the 1776 Declaration will detail the abuses against which the colonists were rebelling, and, more importantly, it sets out the ideals and values to which their new country would aspire.

Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity for discussion.

Live music of the period will start and end the program, and there will be refreshments.