Independence Hall-Inspired Library Hosts July 4 Event for America 250
Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, will open its new Independence Hall-inspired Moritz Library for a preview from 9:00 a.m. to Noon on July 4, 2026, in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America. The family-oriented event is free and open to the public. Parking is free on campus.
The building is designed to resemble Independence Hall in Philadelphia and includes historical reproductions of the Liberty Bell and the Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed.
The event includes character reenactors, Colonial-era games, the chance to sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence, an old hand-operated printing press, modern bounce houses for the kids, and much more.
There is also a display of Early American documents, including a 1776 edition of “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine, a 1777 print of the Declaration of Independence, and a 1788 first edition print of the Constitution of the United States.
Reenactors will perform every 15 minutes after the National Anthem is sung at 9:00 a.m. Characters include:
- Thomas Jefferson – who will read excerpts from some of his correspondences and part of his inaugural address.
- George Washington – who will deliver his inaugural address
- Abraham Lincoln – who will deliver the brief speech he gave at Independence Hall in 1861 where he raised the first 34-star flag (signifying the State of Kansas entering the union).
- The Town Crier – who will recreate the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
In addition, Betsy Ross will talk about her invention of the American 5-point star and how to cut it from fabric in a single cut.
Also, John Hancock will deliver his speech in the Assembly Room when he asked the delegates to join him in signing the Declaration. Ben Franklin will also be present.
Give-aways include:
- A miniature 3-D replica of the building (to the first 500).
- Pocket Constitutions
- Souvenir Betsy Ross Flags
- The Raven Store (inside the Haverty Center) will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Colonial-era games include:
- Jacks
- Ring Toss
- Hoops Game
- Jump Rope
- and more
Crafts include:
- USA Bracelet making
- Getting a print from the hand-operated printing press
- Signing a Declaration of Independence
- Paper Quilting
- Coloring
- and more
Parking is free across campus, and a trolley shuttle will run from the Wilcox Stadium parking lots to the Library all morning. Handicap parking is available on the east side of the Library.
Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is honored to have received a top 10 ranking by U.S. News & World Report, to be ranked in the nation’s 10 most-recommended by The Wall Street Journal, and named one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by the Newman Guide. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. Benedictine College is dedicated to Transforming Culture in America through its mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.
