Celebrate July 4th with the National Archives

You're invited to gather at the National Archives in Washington, DC, on Friday, July 4, 2025, to celebrate the Fourth of July!  Featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence, special performances by military bands, and remarks by Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., the longest held American Prisoner of War in the Vietnam War and soon-to-be recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal.

All July 4th activities are free and open to the public, with fun activities for the whole family. 

PLUS!  The National Archives Museum will be open for extended hours on July 3rd through July 5th, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. ET.

 (left) Every July 4, the National Archives marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Independence Day program! (right) Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., the longest held American Prisoner of War in the Vietnam War and soon-to-be recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal

Reagan Library Celebrates Volunteer’s 100th Birthday

On Monday, June 30, 2025, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, in Simi Valley, CA, threw a surprise birthday party for longtime volunteer Beatrice Restifo in celebration of her 100th birthday! Beatrice works the Monday docent shift at the Reagan Library, and has accumulated 3,000 volunteer hours over more than 20 years.  

Volunteers at the Presidential Libraries serve a variety of important functions, such as providing museum tours and visitor assistance, working with library holdings, and working with educational outreach programs. Visit the National Archives online to learn more about volunteer opportunities at a Presidential Library near you.

Check out the Reagan Presidential Library YouTube Channel for more about Beatrice.

Beatrice Restifo (right) reacts as she arrives for a surprise birthday thrown for her 100th birthday by fellow docents at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library June 30, 2025. (Photo by Andy Holzman/Los Angeles Daily News)

Jazz KC Portraits

Jazz KC Portraits, a new temporary exhibit at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, MO, showcases stunning portraits–by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Dan White–of iconic jazz musicians who have shaped the rich cultural tapestry of the city. Through these images, visitors will embark on a visual journey, exploring the rhythm, soul, and passion that define the essence of Kansas City Jazz.  

Come view this curated collection of 50 beautifully framed photographic portraits made over the course of two decades (1987-2006), as well as new photos of up-and-coming artists created specifically for this display.  

The Truman Museum is open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. Jazz KC Portraits will remain on display until December 30, 2025.

Portrait of Kansas City-based jazz bassist Daahoud Williams, 1988 (Photograph by Dan White)