On June 24, 2026, New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan released a video celebrating America’s 250th birthday, titled New Hampshire Sestercentennial: A Special Reading of the Declaration of Independence. The video features former and current state officials, as well as other notable Granite Staters, reading the Declaration of Independence.

“We have unprecedented access to our government in the Granite State, and we’re fortunate to be able to capture all living Governors, among other officials, reading one of our precious foundational documents,” said Secretary of State David Scanlan. “We hope this video will be cherished by generations to come and serve as a historical record that Granite Staters can watch fifty years from now during America’s 300th birthday.”

The video was produced in collaboration with ConcordTV and is available on the Secretary of State’s website and on public access channels throughout the state. It will also be shown at the New Hampshire State House Visitor Center and at the Great American State Fair 2026 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from June 25 through July 10, 2026.

250th Celebrations

The New Hampshire 250th Commission will hold the State of New Hampshire’s official celebration on the State House lawn at 10 a.m. on July 4. The State House will then open its doors to the public at 11 a.m.

Visitors to the New Hampshire State House Visitor Center can view New Hampshire’s 1776 Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and an 1823 William J. Stone engraving of the Declaration. The Dunlap Broadside, one of only 26 known copies in existence, is on display now through July 8, while the Stone engraving will remain on display through July 10.

“From the Pine Tree Riot to the First in the Nation Primary, New Hampshire has played a key role in shaping the history of our country,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte. “As we celebrate America 250, I’m proud to see Granite Staters and visitors to New Hampshire alike celebrating that legacy. May we always remember the enduring values of civic engagement, service, and freedom that continue to define the Granite State.”