Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary This Fourth of July

July 1, 2026

The Fourth of July holiday is a profound time for our Nation to reflect on the blessings of being a beacon of hope and democratic freedom. As we mark an extraordinary milestone—America’s 250th anniversary—there is no better time to dive into American history and remember why we celebrate Independence Day.

This Independence Day, you can hold history in your hands with the official Pocket Constitution and Declaration of Independence from our U.S. History Collection. It is the perfect way to reconnect with the foundational texts that started it all 250 years ago on July 4th, 1776.

Beyond our founding documents, the U.S. Government Bookstore’s Pre-U.S. Colonial & American History collection offers unique insights into our Nation’s earliest days, including an extensive selection detailing the diverse histories of American Indian tribes. You can also bring this vibrant era to life with a beautiful set of colorful, detailed posters depicting pivotal events from the Revolutionary War, such as the American Navies, 1775-1783 (Poster), the British Redcoat, 1775-1783 (Poster), and The Continental Soldier in the War for American Independence (Poster).

Be inspired by the rich, complex stories of those who fought to ensure our Union was free and explore how the early American landscape evolved. To honor, enjoy, and memorialize America’s historic semiquincentennial, start your journey back to the days that shaped our Nation by visiting https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/pre-us-colonial-american-history.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Government Resources for July Fourth

July 2, 2020

This year, July Fourth will undoubtedly look a little different than usual. While many fireworks displays and other celebrations have been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are still many ways to let freedom ring. That includes making a visit to GPO Online Bookstore for some patriotic publications.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, inspiring Independence Day, a day for Americans to come together, celebrate their freedom and display patriotism. As is written by the National Archives, the Declaration of Independence “states the principles on which our government, and our identity as Americans, are based.” This document, which continues to be an inspiration for freedom and equality around the world, declared why the thirteen colonies considered themselves independent from Great Britain. Representatives from all thirteen colonies (New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia) signed the document. If you want to feel truly patriotic this year, you can purchase a pocket edition of the Declaration of Independence from the GPO Bookstore.

Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence (Pocket Edition) contains two core American democracy documents—the Constitution of the United States of America and the Declaration of Independence. This official primary source document outlines the framework of our National Government. Keep this handy pocket-sized document on you to exhibit your pride for your country … and to add a little patriotism to your already red, white and blue Fourth of July ensemble. This booklet also defines the ratification and amendment ratification process.

The Citizen’s Almanac from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says “naturalized citizens have played an important role in shaping this country. From Alexander Hamilton to Albert Einstein, foreign-born Americans have contributed to all aspects of society—literature, motion pictures, public service, and athletics, to name just a few.” This almanac, available at the GPO Bookstore, offers information on the history, people, and events that have made the United States a beacon of hope and freedom to the world. This booklet will serve as a reminder of the important rights and responsibilities immigrants will have as a U.S. citizen and is perfect for anyone preparing themselves for taking the Naturalization Test to become a citizen of the United States.

GPO wishes you and your family a safe and healthy July 4th. Happy Independence Day!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

2 Comments | Civics and Citizenship, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. History | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Celebrate America’s Independence

June 24, 2016

Start with the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence

In celebration of our nation’s independence there’s no better time for you, your family, or school children to own and read these historic documents. It’s easy to forget how wise our forefathers were in creating the foundation of our freedoms. The documents they authored have endured; for example, the Declaration of Independence is 240 years old. Words so beautifully crafted in the late eighteenth century that still speak with power, eloquence, and relevance today.

In time for Fourth of July, GPO offers the pocket size booklet of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence, including complete text.

027-002-00540-6Owning this historic set of Americana has never been easier or more affordable – only $1.50/set! And, while the kids are out of school, consider giving these documents to your own kids and their friends to read. Celebrate our written foundation of freedom by sitting down with your children or class and reading both documents line-by-line.

Get to know America’s foundational documents so that you’ll have another reason to chant “USA-USA-USA.”

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

 Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

Leave a Comment » | Civics and Citizenship, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Constitution | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins