Easton Celebrates Its History July 12

32nd annual Heritage Day reenacts the first reading of the Declaration of Independence

Visitors to Downtown Easton next month will feel as if they have been transported back to the Revolutionary War during the city’s 32nd annual Heritage Day Sunday, July 12.

Heritage Day began in Easton in 1976 as part of the nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. It commemorates one of the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence, which took place July 8, 1776, in what is now Centre Square. These early readings constituted America’s first celebrations of the Fourth of July.

Easton’s reading will be reenacted at noon in Centre Square, complete with a town crier, cannons, and colonial dress. At 1 p.m., a colonial mock trial will determine the guilt or innocence of an accused horse thief in the Bachmann Publick House on Second and Northampton streets.

A pageant will be held at 2 p.m. in Centre Square to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Easton in 1758. Adults will appear in colonial outfits and children can dress up like Redcoats or Indians. The festivities will culminate with the annual fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Throughout the day, Revolutionary War living history encampments will be held at Riverside and Scott parks by the Delaware River. There will be historical walking and trolley tours and many of Easton’s old buildings will be open for visitors including the Parsons-Taylor House, built in 1757; the Mixsell-Illick House, built in 1833; and the Jacob Nicholas House, built in 1807.

Live music, children’s entertainment, vendors, and food will be available at various locations throughout the city.

Heritage Day events are sponsored by Easton Hospital, Easton Coach Company, Lafayette Ambassador Bank, Partyology, Air Products, and the City of Easton.

Heritage Day Schedule:

• 10:30 a.m. – Interfaith worship service, Trinity Episcopal Church, 234 Spring Garden Street
• 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. – Historical walking and trolley tours, various locations
• Noon – Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Centre Square
• 1 p.m. – Colonial mock trial, Bachmann Publick House
• 2 p.m. – Treaty of Easton Pageant, Centre Square
• 3 p.m. – Lenape culture workshop for children and parents (reservations required), Mixsell-Illick House, Fourth and Ferry streets
• 4 p.m. – Celebration of 100th anniversary of Third Street Alliance, Simon Mansion, 41 North Third Street
• 9:30 p.m. – Fireworks display, over the Delaware River