Celebrate March 21 – 23, 2025

Before the American Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, elected representatives in Harford County signed the Bush Declaration of 1775, pledging their support for independence “at the risque of their lives and fortunes.”

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of this historic document and the brave souls who risked everything for liberty.

Descendants of the Signers – Meet & Greet

Friday, March 21 5 – 8 p.m. Liriodendron Mansion, 502 W. Gordon St., Bel Air. Space is limited.

Join descendants of the 34 signers of the Bush Declaration and view the document on display. Enjoy cocktails, live music, and hors d’oeuvres popular in Colonial times. Meet Joyce White, author of “Cooking Maryland’s Way,” highlighting the cuisine of 1775.

Sponsored By:

Tickets $55

The Bush Declaration Celebration

Saturday, March 22 5 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Bel Air Armory, 37 N. Main St. Bel Air

Experience a dramatic reading of the Bush Declaration by an actor portraying the first signer, Col. Aquila Hall. Learn about the document’s historical significance; enjoy patriotic musical selections.

Passport to History – Site Visits

Saturday, March 22, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 12 – 4 p.m.

Pick up your passport at the Historical Society of Harford County or any Harford library branch and visit selected local sites connected to the Bush Declaration. Learn from docents at each location and earn a stamp. Collect at least four stamps to earn a certificate and Junior Historian badge!

Hereditary Order of the Signers of the Bush Declaration Annual Dinner

Sunday, March 23, 5 – 9 p.m. Mountain Branch; 1827 Mountain Road, Joppa

Wrap up your weekend with a celebratory dinner. For more information and to register, go to www.bushdeclaration.org.

Become a sponsor:

Sponsorship levels available:

$1000 — March 22 History of the Bush Declaration: Recognition at event and one ticket to March 21 Meet & Greet

$500—March 22 Cavalcade: Recognition on map and brochure

$25—Contributor

Bush Declaration Bulletin

Written by members of the Bush Declaration 250th Anniversary Committee and published by the Historical Society of Harford County, this Bulletin tells the story of the revolutionary fervor in Harford County in 1775-1775 that led to the signing of the Bush Declaration on March 22, 1775. This meticulously researched collection includes the text of the Bush Declaration, biographies of the signers, and the story of the significant role Harford County played in the American Revolution.

For more information, visit www.bushdeclaration.org