The Sioux City Public Museum and the Martha Washington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are hosting a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 5 p.m. on July 8 at the Sioux City Public Museum. 

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), in collaboration with other American250 partners, are organizing simultaneous national readings of the Declaration of Independence in every state to mark the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

These simultaneous readings are intended to recreate the tension and excitement of the initial readings.  In 1776, Thomas Jefferson ordered that several copies of the Declaration of Independence be printed. Horseback riders raced to take their copy of the document to towns and cities in the colonies, reading it at the town square for all to hear. This meant that several days or more passed before the colonists heard the Declaration.

The costumed readers at this event are local attorney and DAR member, Elizabeth Rosenbaum, and local financial advisor, Gregory Giles.

The Martha Washington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution of Sioux City, Iowa, was formed in 1895.  The chapter provides scholarships, funds service projects, and takes part in citizenship activities.  Over the years, Martha Washington Chapter, NSDAR, has supported local history preservation, education, and patriotic endeavors.