ADAMS, Mass. — On July 18, 1776, the first reading of the Declaration of Independence was held in Massachusetts. 

 

Now 250 years later, the reading not only stands as a reminder of the country's history but also serves as a beacon of hope for change. 

 

On Saturday, hundreds of people gathered at the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, nestled at the base of Mount Greylock, the tallest mountain in all of southern New England. The clouds rolled over and rain came pouring down but that did not dampen the voices of the people. 

 

Dressed as George Washington, Selectman and Adams 250 committee founder Joseph Nowak was handed the Declaration of Independence, by two horsewomen played by Kathy Foley and Donna Digrigoli of Aisling Mountain Farm. 

 

Sections of the Declaration were read by resident Christian Rowe; re-enactor Michael Duncan Smith; retired historian Barry Emery as Thomas Jefferson; and the Stafford Hill Boys, Ken Milman and Ed Chase, who are descendants of Deacon Stephen Carpenter, who fought in the Battle of Bennington.

 

As it was read, history and the present stood together, with reenactors dressed in period clothing alongside Adams American Legion veterans, dressed in modern day regalia — a demonstration of how history and present are forever intertwined. 

 

"We were given the roles of speaking the grievances, and the original writers of the Declaration made it very clear that it was the duty of the people to petition in redress for grievances against the governing authorities," Chase said.