A Malden Tradition Returns: Reading Of The Town Instructions

MALDEN, MA — A local tradition is returning this year at the Malden Public Library. A reenactment of the events that led 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, will be held Wednesday, June 30 at 6 p.m.

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."

Anyone interested in participating in the reenactment, who is willing to dress in period-appropriate costumes, should contact Ron Cochran at rcochran@cityofmalden.org for more information.

The May 27, 1776 document 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 renounced 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 a month later when the Continental Congress formally declared their independence from England. The original historical document is on display in the library for viewing.