Welcome Remarks for "Rival Friends (John Adams and Thomas Jefferson)"
McGowan Theater, 威尼斯人娱乐场 Building, Washington, DC
July 3, 2018
Good afternoon, and welcome to the William G. McGowan Theater at the 威尼斯人娱乐场 for today鈥檚 special presentation of 鈥淩ival Friends: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Discuss & Debate the Founding of the United States.鈥
I鈥檓 pleased you could join us, whether you are here in the theater or watching on YouTube.
This afternoon, as a preview for tomorrow鈥檚 July 4th festivities, we bring you Thomas Jefferson and John Adams鈥攖wo leaders of the Second Continental Congress, former Presidents of the United States, and drafters of the Declaration of Independence. Today they will discuss, debate, and sometimes decry the revolutionary storms they weathered throughout a relationship spanning 50 years. This is a debate fueled not by party animosity or reciprocal hatred, but rather by a shared love of America spiced with opposing notions of how best to protect and foster the nation.
Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson invite you to participate at various times鈥攖hrough question-and-answer sessions, votes, and a few trivia games.
I hope that you will return tomorrow, July 4th, as we celebrate the 242nd anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with our traditional Fourth of July program. Local Fox 5 News Anchor Allison Seymour will return as the master of ceremonies, and Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson will be joined by General George Washington, Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, and Private Ned Hector for a dramatic reading of the Declaration.
There also be a performance from the Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, as well as other musical selections.
From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., we will have family activities inside the building.
And of course, you鈥檒l have an opportunity to view the Charters of Freedom鈥攖he Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights鈥攐ur Rotunda.
To learn more about our Independence Day celebration and all of our public programs and exhibits, consult our monthly Calendar of Events online at Archives.gov. Check our website or sign up at the table outside the theater to get email updates.
Another way to get more involved with the 威尼斯人娱乐场 is to become a member of the 威尼斯人娱乐场 Foundation. The Foundation supports the work of the agency, especially its education and outreach programs. Pick up your application for membership in the lobby or become a member online at .
And now with our further ado, it鈥檚 my pleasure to introduce to you鈥擬r. Thomas Jefferson and Mr. John Adams. Gentlemen?