Railroad museum to host Declaration of Independence signing

Published 12:28 pm Saturday, January 24, 2026

Attention children ages 4-12!

Come to Meridian Railroad Museum on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 4-5 pm and become a part of history. It is the signing of a replica Declaration of Independence with a quill-type pen.

Some might ask: Why take the trouble to plan an event of this caliber? Will the kids get it?

I say, “Yes.” The kids will get it. After “the signing,” storytellers, in period costume, will tell the story of the signing of the true Declaration of Independence.

Here is a bit of the story:

It was a sweltering, hot day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in July, — July 4th, to be exact. Yes, July 4, 1776, when 56 delegates gathered in the Pennsylvania State House.

Let’s think about this time. The fledging colonies wanted to be a free country. The 56 delegates who signed the document on that day, with pumping hearts, were pledging their lives, fortunes and families. The Crown, Great Britain, was considered the world’s most dominant power and their military power could squash the colonies almost immediately, many thought. But it took several acts of unrest during earlier dates by the colonies to really kick into action the actual Revolution. These were: the 1765 Stamp Act, the 1773, Boston Tea Party and also at the battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, known as “the shot heard ’round the world.”

And so on July 4, 1776, the 56 delegates had had enough.

Dear readers, You know that I am a “history nerd.” But when I think of these, mostly young men who signed (a few jauntily and others meekly), I feel a shiver down my spin. I mean would any of our people living today have the courage and strength to do the same?

But sign they did, and during this 250th anniversary of that historic event, it is our duty to teach our young people the details of the our history and also about this great, courageous country called America. We must and not wait on society but pledge ourselves to teach the children

And oh, by the way, did you see Meridian’s own Jamal Roberts, winner of Idol 2025, sing, beautifully, the national anthem at the CFB National Championship game last weekend? If you missed it, go to youtube.com

“Oh, say can you see, by the dawn’s early light.

What so proudly we hailed at the

twilight’s last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,

O’er the ramparts we watched,

were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets red glare,

the bombs bursting in air

Gave proof through the night that

our flag was still there.

Oh say, does that Star Spangled

Banner yet wave

O’er the land of the free

And the home of the brave.”

Quickly I must add that “The Star-Spangled Banner,” our national anthem, was written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key during The War of 1812. But in my mind, it is all the same story — America winning and keeping its freedom.

And so next Thursday, Jan. 29, two Meridian organizations will come together to present a free event for children. They are the DAR Chapters, Pushmataha and Samuel Dale and Meridian Railroad Museum. Liberty Cookies will be served along with a fun ride on the museum’s miniature train.

This is part of Meridian’s America 250 celebration.

For more info please contact Meridian Railroad Museum.

Anne McKee is executive director at Meridian Railroad Museum.