When the United States celebrated its centennial in 1876, the Declaration of Independence took center stage. It was transported from Washington to Philadelphia and became the highlight of the Centennial Exhibition, which was the first official World’s Fair in the United States. Approximately nine million people attended the event, an impressive turnout given the nation’s population of around 46 million at the time.

For the 250th anniversary, the document remains at the National Archives, safeguarded under bulletproof glass and surrounded by inert gases. Unlike previous celebrations, it does not hold the same prominence. Recently, Washington commenced its celebrations with an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn. Future plans include the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, a race around the National Mall, close to the Archives’ entrance.

Colleen J. Shogan, former archivist of the United States, remarked that the official activities have not focused much on the Declaration. Her tenure ended shortly after the Trump administration began. The White House did not provide a reason for her dismissal, though it was speculated to be linked to her insistence that former President Trump return documents taken to his Mar-a-Lago estate.

On the anniversary of July 4th, 250 years since Thomas Jefferson finalized the Declaration’s text, there was no queue at the Archives. Visitors could easily view the iconic text beginning with “When in the course of human events…” and perhaps spot a famous signature.