Who: Westminster College staff, employees of America’s National Churchill Museum (ANCM) and numerous individuals from the Callaway County community
What: Westminster College will host a celebratory reading of the Declaration of Independence, which will be recorded and shared via social media at 5 p.m. on July 8 in unity with Show-Me 250.
Readers will include:
- Westminster College President Donald P. Lofe, Jr.
- The Sandra L. and Monroe E. Trout Curator and Director of ANCM
- Children from the community
- Local dignitaries and civic leaders
When: 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24
Where: The Tuttle House on the Westminster College campus, 331 W. Seventh St., Fulton, Missouri
Why: As Westminster celebrates its 175th anniversary and reflects on the College’s enduring place in global history, we also recognize our nation’s 250th anniversary and honor the first official public reading of the Declaration of Independence. This commemoration highlights a defining moment in the American story, underscoring the lasting ideals of liberty, civic responsibility and democratic self-government that continue to shape our communities and colleges in ways we often take for granted.
Interviews are available upon request.
ABOUT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster College is ranked prestigiously by The Princeton Review as one of 151 “Best Colleges in the Midwest” for 2026 and is among a select group of full-participation institutions nationwide in the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition, as recognized by the Higher Learning Commission. New graduates experience a more than 90% placement rate within six months of graduation, while Westminster alumni are in the top 16% nationwide for graduate earnings. The only National Liberal Arts college in Missouri, Westminster has long been recognized for its focus on educating and inspiring students to make an impact on the world around them. Find out more about Westminster College by visiting our website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Sarah Backer at 573-220-9038 or Sarah.Backer@WCMO.edu.
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
