Every weekend, a group of local writers offer ways to relax and learn with your kids. Today, B.J. Davis, education section chief at the N.C. Museum of History, shares some information about the Declaration of Independence.

On July 4, Americans celebrate the ratification of an amazing document: the Declaration of Independence. This historic event took place in Philadelphia, where members of the Second Continental Congress ratified this historic document in 1776. Fifty-six members of Congress eventually signed the Declaration of Independence, announcing that “these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved . . . .”

Unfortunately, most Americans have very little knowledge of the details that make up this important document. Here is some interesting trivia regarding the Declaration of Independence.

Pennsylvania had nine signers, the most of any state. Rhode Island had the least number, with only two signers.

North Carolina had three delegates who signed the document: William Hooper, John Penn and Joseph Hewes — none of whom were born in North Carolina.

Edward Rutledge of South Carolina was the youngest signatory at age 26, and Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest at 70.

On July 2, 1776, as the British Army and Navy arrived in the Raritan Bay, just offshore from New York City, Congress declared independence. Full adoption of the Declaration of Independence did not occur until July 4. The hand-engrossed version was not signed by delegates until August 2 (this is the faded parchment document on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.). A few members of Congress signed the document after Aug. 2. A few others were unable to sign the historic document for a variety of personal and professional reasons. Eventually, 56 delegates signed the historic document.

Among the non-signers were two delegates who refused: John Dickinson, who held that reconciliation with Britain was possible, and Robert R. Livingston, a member of the original drafting committee, who felt that the Declaration was premature. (Robert Livingston would later be responsible for negotiating the Louisiana Purchase from France under then president Thomas Jefferson.)

Learn more about this remarkable document with your kids. A great place to start is at the National Archives’ Web site. When you visit the Web site, be sure to discover what is on the back of this historic document (for all you “National Treasure” movie fans). Another resource is the Library of Congress.

You might want to talk with your kids about what it means to be “independent.” Share with them the idea that, along with independence, come rights and, more importantly, responsibilities. (I think you know where I’m going with this).

To help celebrate America’s independence and July 4, the N.C. Museum of History will present America’s Birthday, a special program for ages 5 to 9 on Wednesday, July 2, from 10-11 a.m. Admission is free. Registration is required, and seating is limited. For more information or to register, call 919-807-7992.

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!

WEEKEND: Relax!