Live Reading of the Declaration of Independence

As part of the America 250 celebrations, the Winnebago and Boone Counties Genealogical Society (WBCGS), Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, and the Natural Land Institute (NLI), invite the community to step back in time and experience history as it was meant to be shared during a live reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wed., July 8, 2026 at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, 411 Kent St., Rockford, IL 61102. The program begins at 6:00 p.m.

Held outdoors beneath the site’s historic White Oak Legacy tree, this special event will recreate the spirit of 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was read aloud under a Liberty Tree in public spaces to inform and inspire citizens.

The program will include a welcome and opening remarks, historical context provided by WBCGS, a full reading of the Declaration by Illinois State Representative Maurice West, and the reading of the names of the 56 signers who took an incredible risk putting their signature on this significant and historical document.

Attendees will also learn about the history of Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and the significance of the White Oak Legacy tree, including newly determined information about its age.

“This event is about bringing history to life in a simple but powerful way,” said Paula Olson, member of Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society. “Hearing the Declaration read aloud, in a setting like this, connects us to the past in a very real and memorable way.”

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Free copies of the Declaration of Independence are available while supplies last. Rain site inside the Tinker Swiss Cottage Barn.

The White Oak Legacy tree was recognized in 2025 as the November Tree of the Month through NLI’s Legacy Tree Program. The story can be found here: https://www.naturalland.org/white-oak-at-tinker-swiss-cottage-is-november-tree/

About Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens is a historic house museum situated on 5 acres located at the founding site of Rockford. The museum’s mission is to preserve and share the legacy of the Tinker family and inspire visitors to connect with history. To learn more about the museum, you can call the office at 815-964-2424 or visit their website at www.tinkercottage.com.

About Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society: Celebrating 40 years, WBCGS is dedicated to preserving and promoting history of Winnebago & Boone Counties since 1986.  For more information, contact Paula Olson, 815-871-0120 or wbcgensociety@gmail.com