New London — In celebration of Independence Day, community members are invited to join in a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at the Hempsted Houses.

The Declaration of Independent announced that the 13 American colonies, then under British rule, regarded themselves as a new independent nation: the United States of America. To give voice to the declaration, program participants from different parts of the New London community will share in the reading, paired with excerpts from Frederick Douglass’ speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”

Admission is free but donations are welcome to support programs at the Hempsted Houses. However, advanced registration is required, as space is limited. Register at https://bit.ly/hh4july2020. Day-of event registration will be allowed only if the site has not reached capacity.

In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held on July 12 at 2 p.m. In order to protect the health of staff members, visitors and the community, all visitors must wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines. The historic house museum interior will remain closed to the public.

The Hempsted Houses are located at 11 Hempstead St., New London. For more information, visit www.ctlandmarks.org or facebook.com/HempstedHouses; email hempsted@ctlandmarks.org; or call (860) 443-7949.