Celebrating the Semiquincentennial of the country continues with a pair of July events hosted by the City’s Historical Resources Division.

On Wednesday, July 8, join City staff for a group reading of the Declaration of Independence in Centennial Park that will begin promptly at 6 p.m. This will be part of a nationwide reading taking place at the same time from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Guam. Copies of the Declaration of Independence will be available so that everyone can read it together. Afterward, the community is invited to discuss what the Declaration of Independence means for us today. This event takes place at the Bob and Sue Vedder Gazebo. The public is encouraged to bring chairs and arrive at 5:30 p.m.

On Thursday, July 23, the Venice History Museum will host Florida’s Freedom Tour from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. outside the museum. The Florida Freedom Tour, a Mobile History Museum initiative, is designed to bring Florida’s history directly to communities across the state. The Mobile Museum is a traveling museum touring Florida to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The tour will feature two repurposed 18-wheelers transformed into traveling museums, showcasing exhibits and artifacts from the Museum of Florida History. The Venice History Museum, located at 351 Nassau St. S., will also be open during special hours July 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where the City’s Centennial exhibit, "Venice Turns 100!" is being extended for another year.

For more information, contact Harry Klinkhamer, Historical Resources Manager, at hklinkhamer@venicefl.gov or 941-486-2490.