A great Malden tradition has returned! All are invited to the Malden Public Library, 36 Salem Street on Wednesday, June 30th at 6 PM to re-experience the events in Malden that led up to the drafting of the “Instructions of the Inhabitants of Malden, Massachusetts to their Representatives in Congress” – Malden’s declaration of support for American Independence.

A group of young musicians from the William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps will kick off the event by playing several period-specific songs on the lawn of the Malden Public Library. Local Historian and period actor Tom Coots will then perform the Sixth Annual Reading of the town “Instructions.” For anyone who is interested in participating in the reenactment and is willing to dress in period-appropriate costumes, please contact Ron Cochran at rcochran@cityofmalden.org for more information.

The May 27, 1776 document entitled “Instructions of the Inhabitants of Malden, Massachusetts to their Representatives in Congress” was unanimously voted on by the townspeople of Malden to be delivered to the Second Continental Congress via their representative Ezra Sargeant. In the 1776 communication, the voting citizens of Malden renounce the Colony’s ties to the Kingdom of Great Britain and set forth their wish to become an independent “American” republic. The document is credited as a precursor to the Declaration of Independence written in July of 1776 when the Continental Congress formally declared their independence from England. The original historical document is on display in the Library for viewing.

 

Image: William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps