The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Digital Library
The United States Bicentennial was a series of events in celebration of the nation’s 200th birthday. Official events began on April 1, 1975 with the launch of the American Freedom Train 21-month tour of the 48 contiguous states. Later that month, President Gerald Ford visited the Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts, where he lit a third lantern in recognition of the country’s third century. He then delivered a major address at Lexington and Concord commemorating the 200th anniversary of the battles that spurred the Revolutionary War. The United States Congress had previously established the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission (ARBC) in 1966 to organize the Bicentennial celebration. The ARBC was criticized, however, for showing excessive political bias and commercialism. As a result, Congress replaced the ARBC with the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA) in 1973. ARBA focused on supporting and coordinating state, local, and private celebrations, with around 66,000 recognized events in total. There were picnics, ceremonies, presentations, and numerous other festivities across the country. One of the most significant events was the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage, in which volunteers from every state traveled Eastward over historic trails in covered wagons. Bicentennial celebrations were not limited to the US. An exhibition titled The World of Franklin and Jefferson first opened in Paris, France, before travelling throughout Europe and the US. The Bicentennial was also commemorated by two official state visits. In May 1976, President and Mrs. Giscard d’Estaing of France visited the United States in recognition of the history of friendship between the two countries. As a gift to the US, President d’Estaing presented a Sound and Light show at Mount Vernon. Two months later, in July 1976, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of Great Britain toured Philadelphia, the District of Columbia, Virginia, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. On behalf of the British people, the Queen gifted to the United States the Bicentennial Bell, a replica of the Liberty Bell that hangs at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. |
Official Bicentennial events culminated on July 4, 1976, the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On this day, President Ford and his daughter Susan first travelled to Pennsylvania where President Ford spoke at Valley Forge to honor the conclusion of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage. They then proceeded to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where President Ford signed the Bicentennial Day Declaration, which reaffirmed a commitment to the principles of liberty, justice, and freedom that were first laid out in the Declaration of Independence. Following that, President Ford and Susan flew to New York Harbor where First Lady Betty Ford also joined them to celebrate Operation Sail, an international naval review of ships sent by the navies of numerous countries. The day ended in DC, where President and Mrs. Ford watched fireworks from the White House Balcony.
The Bicentennial is noted for the feelings of patriotism and nostalgia that the celebrations inspired. There was a general feeling that the country was beginning to recover after the unstable period that included the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Watergate crisis. In his autobiography A Time to Heal, President Ford described the effect that Bicentennial Celebrations had on the country: “Rarely in the history of the world had so many people turned out so spontaneously to express the love they felt for their country. Not a single incident marred our festival. The nation’s wounds had healed. We had regained our pride and rediscovered our faith, and in doing so, we had laid the foundation for a future that had to be filled with hope.”
To see more photos from the Bicentennial, check out the photo gallery for the photo gallery for the Celebration of the Bicentennial of the American Revolution and the Bicentennial Artifacts. You can also explore the resource page for Entertaining Royalty: The State Dinner for Queen Elizabeth.
Prepared by Tulin Babbitt, Stacy Davis and Elizabeth Druga; February 2021.
Digitized Holdings Related to the Bicentennial
Topics
- General
- American Freedom Train
- American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA)
- Bicentennial Land Heritage Progam
- Bicentennial Task Force
- Bicentennial Wagon Train
- Foreign Reaction and Visit by Foreign Leaders
- Gifts
- Horizons on Display
- Presidential Messages and Proclamations
- Schedules for President and Mrs. Ford
- Visitors
TOPICS
General
- Folders from the William J. Baroody Files (White House Public Liaison Office)
- Folders from the Philip W. Buchen Files (White House Counsel)
- Folder from the James M. Cannon Files (Domestic Council)
- Folders from the Richard Cheney Files (White House Chief of Staff)
- Folders from the Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folders from the Robert T. Hartmann Files (White House Counsellor)
- Folders from the Vernon C. Loen and Charles Leppert Files (White House Congressional Relations Office)
- Folders from the John O. Marsh Files
(White House Counsellor)
- Agriculture Department Bicentennial Leaflets
- American Issues Forum
- Bicentennial - General (1)
- Bicentennial - General (2)
- Bicentennial - General (3)
- Bicentennial - General (4)
- Bicentennial - General (5)
- Bicentennial Fellowships, Scholarships and Chairs at American Universities
- Bicentennial Medals
- Bicentennial Plaques
- Central Intelligence Agency Bicentennial Publication “Intelligence in the War of Independence”
- Cultural Laureate Foundation (1)
- Cultural Laureate Foundation (2)
- Federal Aid to Philadelphia and Washington (1)
- Federal Aid to Philadelphia and Washington (2)
- Interior Department
- Invitations for the President
- Marine Corps Bicentennial
- Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence
- National Endowment for the Arts Program Report
- Peoples Bicentennial Commission
- Rockefeller, John D.
- Security
- Town Meeting ‘76
- Transportation Department Bicentennial Program
- United States Information Agency - Report on Bicentennial Activities
- United States Information Agency - Research Report: Soviet Writings on the “First” American Revolution and the Bicentennial
- Virginia Bicentennial Programs
- “We, The People” - A Bicentennial Fair
- Folders from the Ron Nessen Papers (White House Press Secretary)
- Folders from the Sheila Weidenfeld Files (First Lady's Staff)
- Folders from the White House Records Office Legislation Case Files
American Freedom Train
- Folders from the John O. Marsh Files (White House Counsellor)
- Folders from the Milt Mitler Files (White House Public Liaison Office)
- Folder from the Presidential Speeches: Reading Copies
American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA)
- Folders from Philip W. Buchen Files (White House Counsel)
- Folder from the Robert T. Hartmann Files (White House Counsellor)
- Folders from the White House Records Office Legislation Case Files
Bicentennial Land Heritage Program
- Folders from James M. Cannon Files (Domestic Council)
- Folder from Ron Nessen Papers (White House Press Secretary)
- White House Press Releases
Bicentennial Task Force
- Folders from the James M. Cannon Files (Domestic Council)
- Folders from the John O. Marsh Files (White House Counsellor)
- Federal Agency Bicentennial Task Force - Agency Reports
- Federal Agency Bicentennial Task Force - General
- Federal Agency Bicentennial Task Force - Letters of Appreciation to Members
- Federal Agency Bicentennial Task Force - Meeting Agendas (1)
- Federal Agency Bicentennial Task Force - Meeting Agendas (2)
- Federal Agency Bicentennial Task Force - Meeting Agendas (3)
- Federal Agency Bicentennial Task Force - Meeting Minutes and Summaries
- White House Bicentennial Task Force - General (1)
- White House Bicentennial Task Force - General (2)
- White House Bicentennial Task Force - General (3)
- White House Bicentennial Task Force - General (4)
- White House Bicentennial Task Force - Meeting, 6/24/1976 (1)
- White House Bicentennial Task Force - Meeting, 6/24/1976 (2)
- White House Bicentennial Task Force - Meetings (1)
- White House Bicentennial Task Force - Meetings (2)
Bicentennial Wagon Train
- Folders from the Larry and Pauline Asmus Papers
- Certificate for Completion of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania Issued by the North American Trail Ride Conference
- Certificate of Appreciation From the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Given For Participation in the Nation’s Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania
- Pamphlet for the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania
- Official Souvenir Program of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania, 1975- 1976
- Blank Public Notice about Upcoming Encampment of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania
- Folder from John O. Marsh Files (White House Counsellor)
Foreign Reaction and Visits by Foreign Leaders
- Folders from Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folder from John O. Marsh Files (White House Counsellor)
- Folders from the National Security Adviser's Memoranda of Conversations
- Folders from the National Security Adviser's Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders
- Folder from the Ron Nessen Papers (White House Press Secretary)
- White House Press Release
Gifts
- Folders from Philip Buchen Files (White House Counsel)
- Folder from John O. Marsh Files (White House Counsellor)
- Reading Copies of Presidential Speeches
- Folder from the Frances K. Pullen Files (First Lady's Staff)
- Folder from the Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files (First Lady's Staff)
- Photographs
- President Gerald R. Ford and White House Coordinator of Bicentennial Affairs Milt Mitler Viewing a Plaque of the Declaration of Independence Written Out in Alphabet Noodles
- Pierre Touraine, Velma Touraine, and Congressman John Rhodes Presenting the Bicentennial Jewel to President Gerald R. Ford in the Oval Office
- The Bicentennial Rifle on Display in Its Case at the White House
- Lewie H. Miller, Jr. Presenting the Aitken Bible Silver Ingot to Milton Mitler
- President Gerald R. Ford and Milt Mitler Touring a Display of Bicentennial Gifts Received By the White House
- President Gerald R. Ford and Milt Mitler Touring a Display of Bicentennial Gifts Received By the White House
- Photograph of President Gerald R. Ford, First Lady Betty Ford, and Prime Minister and Mrs. Liam Cosgrave of Ireland Admiring the Bicentennial Waterford Crystal Vase the Cosgraves Presented to the Fords in the Yellow Oval Room Prior to a State Dinner Honoring Prime Minister Cosgrave
- Sculptor Manuel Carbonell Presenting His Sculpture, Bicentennial Eagle, to Milt Mitler on the South Lawn of the White House
- Members of Girl Scout Troop #2019 of Portland, Connecticut, Presenting a Bicentennial Quilt They Made to Milt Mitler on the North Lawn of the White House
- Bible Used by Gerald R. Ford When Being Sworn In as Vice President and President
Horizons on Display
- Folder from Carla A. Hills Speeches (Secretary of Department of Housing and Urban Development)
- Folder from John O. Marsh Files (White House Counsellor)
Presidential Messages and Proclamations
- Folders from John O. Marsh Files (White House Counsellor)
Schedules for President and Mrs. Ford
- Folders from Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folder from John O. Marsh Files (White House Counsellor)
- White House Press Releasess
- Folder from White House Central Files Subject File
Visitors
- Folders from Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folder from John O. Marsh Files (White House Counsellor)
TIMELINE
1974- Sepember 6
- Reconvening of the Continental Congress, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
1975
- February 15
- A Bicentennial Declaration (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- February 24
- Bicentennial Reception (Betty Ford White House Papers)
- National Bicentennial Conference (Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files)
- Feburary 25
- National Bicentennial Conference (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- April 18-19
- New Hampshire and Massachusetts
- Photograph of President Gerald R. Ford Delivering Remarks in front of the Minuteman Statue during a Bicentennial Ceremony at Lexington Green
- Folders from John O. Marsh Files
- Reading Copies of Presidential Speeches
- New Hampshire and Massachusetts
- May 18
- Commencement Address at University of Pennsylvania (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Charlotte - Mecklenburg, North Carolina, Bicentennial Committee Picnic Luncheon (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Commencement Address at University of Pennsylvania (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- June 7
- Ford Benning Visit (John O. Marsh Files)
- June 13
- Bicentennial Taping (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- June 14
- Army Bicentennial, Fort Benning, Georgia (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- July 4
- Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland
- Folder from the Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folders from the John O. Marsh Files
- Fort McHenry - “Our Country” Bicentennial Festivities, Baltimore, MD, 7/4/1975 (1)
- Fort McHenry - “Our Country” Bicentennial Festivities, Baltimore, MD, 7/4/1975 (2)
- Fort McHenry - “Our Country” Bicentennial Festivities, Baltimore, MD, 7/4/1975 (3)
- Fort McHenry - “Our Country” Bicentennial Festivities, Baltimore, MD, 7/4/1975 (4)
- Reading Copy of Presidential Speech
- Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland
- July 9
- Thirty Second Bicentennial Message (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- August 14
- Talking Points for the President to Use for the Vail Bicentennial Presentation (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- September 4
- Remarks at Portland Youth Bicentennial, Portland, Oregon (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- September 15
- Recorded Remarks Upon the Dedication of the “Dial-A-President” Exhibit at the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- September 23
- Remarks at Meeting with Officials of Disabled American Veterans (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- September 27
- Exchange of Remarks between the President and Officials of the Town of Hopkinton, Rhode Island, upon Presentation of the Happy Bicentennial America Song (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- October 9
- Remarks Upon the Celebration of the 200th Birthday of the U.S. Navy (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- October 20
- Tree Planting Ceremony (Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files)
- November 3
- Presidential Greeting, Washington Workshops Bicentennial Sessions (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- November 15
- Remarks of the Vice President at the New '76 Spirit Bicentennial Prom Center, St. Paul, Minnesota (White House Press Release)
- November 17
- Dedication of Bicentennial Braniff Plane (Betty Ford White House Papers)
- December 22
- Recorded Remarks for the Annual Tournament of Roses Parade (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Talking Points: President Accepts First National Bicentennial Medal (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
1976
- January 9
- Talking Points: NEA Bicentennial Plaque Presentation (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- January 13
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Betty Ford White House Papers)
- Louise Nevelson Sculpture Unveiling, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Frances K. Pullen Files)
- January 29
- Remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- January 31
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Folders from the John O. Marsh Files
- Reading Copy of Presidential Speech
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- February 14
- February 20
- February 24
- Stand Up for America Rally, Jacksonville, Florida (Frances K. Pullen Files)
- February 26
- March 4
- Remarks at Meeting with Broward Minutemen of Fort Lauderdale (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- March 9
- Dedication of Little Adobe School House, Mesa, Arizona (Frances K. Pullen Files)
- March 13
- Remarks at Guilford Courthouse Battlefield, North Carolina (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- April 5
- AHEPA Bicentennial Congress Banquet, Washington Hilton Hotel (Presidential Speeches: Reading Copies)
- April 6
- Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus - Ford, Susan (Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files)
- April 13
- Thomas Jefferson Day
- Folder from the William J. Baroody Files
- Folders from the John O. Marsh Files
- Thomas Jefferson Day
- April 21
- Gladys City Park, Beaumont, Texas (Frances K. Pullen Files)
- April 26
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Folder from the Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folder from the Frances K. Pullen Files
- Folders from the Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- May 5
- Remarks at American Mothers Committee Bicentennial Awards Dinners (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- May 11 - Queen Margarethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark Visit
- Reading Copy of of Presidential Speech
- Folders from Betty Ford White House Papers
- May 13
- Remarks at Luncheon Honoring National Bicentennial Salute to Small Business (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- May 16
- Remark at the Saginaw Township Bicentennial Park, Saginaw, Michigan (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- May 17-20
- President and Mrs. Giscard d'Estaing of France Visit
- Selected Items Related to the State Dinner
- Reading Copies of Presidential Speeches
- 5/17/76 - Remarks During the Ceremony on the Arrival of President Valery d'Estaing of France
- 5/17/76 - Introductory Remarks on the Introduction of Entertainer for State Dinner for French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing
- 5/17/76 - Remarks During Toast at State Dinner for French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing
- 5/19/1976 - Remarks on the Acceptance of the Gift of a Sound and Light Display from President Valery Giscard d’Estaing of France
- Photograph of President Gerald R. Ford and French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing Examining an Antique Printing Press Presented as a Bicentennial Gift to the United States on Behalf of the People of France
- Folders from the Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folder from the Robert T. Hartmann Files
- Folder from the John O. Marsh Files
- President and Mrs. Giscard d'Estaing of France Visit
- May 29
- Remarks via Television to the Los Angeles Bicentennial Youth Rally (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- May 31
- Remarks at Ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- June 1
- "Eye of Thomas Jefferson" Exhibit, National Gallery of Art
- Folder from the Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folder from the John O. Marsh Files
- Folder from the Sheila R. Weidenfeld File
- "Eye of Thomas Jefferson" Exhibit, National Gallery of Art
- June 2
- June 10
- Press Secretary Briefings (Ron Nessen Files)
- June 11
- Filmed Message for the Bicentennial Celebration of the Slovak-American Community to be Held in Dearborn, Michigan (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- June 14
- Filming Bicentennial Minute (Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files)
- June 14-17
- Bicentennial Trail Ride - Ford, Steven (Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files)
- June 21
- Bicentennial Television Message (Presidential Speeches: Reading Copies)
- International Bicentennial Message for U.S. Information Agency (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Filmed Message for the 20th Anniversary of the Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, Virginia (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- June 22
- New York City, NY
- Folders from the Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folders from the Frances K. Pullen Files
- New York City, NY
- June 29
- The Bicentennial Independence Day Proclamation 4446 (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- "Remember the Ladies" Exhibit, Plymouth, Massachusetts
- Folder from the Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folder from the Frances K. Pullen Files
- Folders form the Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files
- June 30
- Press Secretary Briefings (Ron Nessen Files)
- Unused Bicentennial Television Message (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- July 1
- National Air and Space Museum Dedication Ceremony
- Remarks at the Dedication Ceremony of the National Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian Institute (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Photograph of Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Dedication of the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian
- Folder from the John O. Marsh Files
- Remarks at the Opening of the Historic Centennial Safe in Statuary Hall (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- National Air and Space Museum Dedication Ceremony
- July 2
- Remarks Upon Acceptance of Mormon Pioneer Statuette from Spencer W. Kimball, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Press Secretary Briefings (Ron Nessen Files)
- National Archives Bicentennial Ceremony
- Remarks at the Bicentennial Ceremony at the National Archives (Reading Copies of Presidential Speeches)
- Photographs of President Ford Addresses an Audience at the National Archives During a Ceremony Marking the Bicentennial of the United States Flanked by Speaker Carl Albert and Chief Justice Warren Burger
- Folders from John O. Marsh Files
- July 3
- Honor America Program
- Remarks During the Honor American Program at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Folder from Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folder from John O. Marsh Files
- Honor America Program
- July 4
- General
- Bicentennial Independence Day Proclamation (William J. Baroody Files)
- Television Conversation to Volunteers of America Convalescent Hospital, Torrance, California (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Folder from the Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folders from the John O. Marsh Files
- Fourth of July (1976) - Assignments to Russ Rourke
- Fourth of July (1976) - Bicentennial Speeches: General (1)
- Fourth of July (1976) - Bicentennial Speeches: General (2)
- Fourth of July (1976) - Centennial Safe Opening
- Fourth of July (1976) - Congressional Participation
- Fourth of July (1976) - General (1)
- Fourth of July (1976) - General (2)
- Fourth of July (1976) - General (3)
- Fourth of July (1976) - General (4)
- Fourth of July (1976) - General (5)
- Fourth of July (1976) - July 2 Holiday
- Fourth of July (1976) - Presidential Messages and Proclamations (1)
- Fourth of July (1976) - Presidential Messages and Proclamations (2)
- Fourth of July (1976) - Schedules and Lists of Events (1)
- Fourth of July (1976) - Schedules and Lists of Events (2)
- Fourth of July (1976) - Schedules and Lists of Events (3)
- Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
- Program for Bicentennial Event at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, “July 4, 1976, A Celebration of American Independence” by the Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania (Larry and Pauline Asmus Papers)
- Remarks on the Spirit of Sacrifice at Valley Forge State Park, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Folders from John O. Marsh Papers
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Remarks on American Independence at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Briefing Memo from Terry O’Donnell Regarding President Gerald Ford’s Visit to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC on July 4, 1976 (WHCF Subject File)
- Letter from Mayor of Philadelphia Frank L. Rizzo Inviting President Gerald Ford to Participate in Philadelphia's Bicentennial Event (WHCF Subject File)
- Program for the “Bicentennial Celebration of Independence Day, July 4, 1976” at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (WHCF Subject File)
- Photographs
- Photograph of President Gerald Ford Speaking at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at a Ceremonial Event to Mark the Nation’s Bicentennial
- Photograph of President Gerald R. Ford Standing at Attention while Marines Present the Flag outside of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the Bicentennial Celebration
- Folder from the Philip Buchen Files
- Folder from John O. Marsh Files
- Operation Sail (New York, NY)
- “Operation Sail” 1976 Brochure (John Stiles and Merrill Mueller Files)
- Brochure for “International Naval Review, New York Harbor, July 4, 1976” (Gwen Anderson Files)
- Publication Entitled, “Operation Sail 1976” (H. Guyford Stever Papers)
- Remarks During Bell-Ringing Ceremony Aboard USS Forrestal in New York Harbor During Operation Sail (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Photographs
- President Gerald R. Ford Initiating the Ringing of Bicentennial Bells across the Nation on the Flight Deck of the USS Forrestal with American Revolution Bicentennial Administration Administrator John Warner
- First Lady Betty Ford, Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III of Monaco at the Operation Sail Event aboard the USS Forrestal (CV-59)
- Folder from the John O. Marsh Files
- White House Records Office: Legislation Case File
- Folder from Sheila Weidenfeld Files
- Fireworks (Washington, DC)
- General
- July 5
- Naturalization Ceremony at Monticello, Virginia
- Remarks at Naturalization Ceremony at Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Photograph of President Gerald R. Ford Welcoming New American Citizens in a Bicentennial Naturalization Ceremony at Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia
- Folder from John O. Marsh Files
- Naturalization Ceremony at Monticello, Virginia
- July 7-10
- State Visit by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip of Great Britain
- Selected Items Related to the State Dinner on July 7th
- Exchange of toasts between the President and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (White House Press Releases)
- Photographs
- President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford Standing With Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of Great Britain on the South Portico of the White House Prior to a State Dinner Honoring Her Majesty and Prince Philip
- First Lady Betty Ford Dancing with Prince Philip of Great Britain in the State Dining Room during a State Dinner Honoring Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
- Reading Copies of Presidential Speeches
- 7/7/1976 - Remarks Upon Arrival of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- 7/7/1976 - Toast at Dinner in Honor of Queen Elizabeth II in the Rose Garden
- Folders from the Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folder from the John O. Marsh Files
- Folder from the National Security Adviser's Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders
- Folders from the Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files
- State Visit by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip of Great Britain
- July 12
- Remarks to Members of the National Exchange Club at its 58th Annual Convention, Washington D.C. (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- July 13
- Remarks to Members of ‘75-’76 Groups of American Field Service Foreign Exchange Students and their Host Families (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- July 14
- Visit to Egyptian Tall Ship “Hurriyya” (Betty Ford White House Papers)
- Visit to Egyptian Tall Ship “Hurriyya” (Betty Ford White House Papers)
- July 15
- July 20
- Bicentennial Reception
- Folder from the Betty Ford White House Papers
- Remarks at Bicentennial Reception for the Diplomatic Corps (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- White House Press Releases
- Folder from Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files
- Photograph of President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford Congratulating Jazz Singer Ella Fitzgerald Following Her Performance at a White House Concert for Members of the Diplomatic Corps to Celebrate the American Revolution Bicentennial
- Bicentennial Reception
- July 27
- Seleted Items from State Dinner in Honor of Malcolm Fraser of Australia
- Reading Copies of Presidential Speeches
- July 29
- Presidential Statement to Congress on the Bicentennial and American Peace (White House Press Release)
- August 3
- State Visit of President Urho Kekkonen of Finland
- Remarks Upon the Arrival of President Urho Kekkonen of the Republic of Finland (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- Selected Items from the State Dinner
- Remarks during a Toast in Honor of President Urho Kekkonen of the Republic of Finland (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- State Visit of President Urho Kekkonen of Finland
- August 4
- Bicentennial Joint Boys/Girls Nation (Betty Ford White House Papers)
- September 4-5
- Chicago, Illinois
- Folders from Betty Ford White House Papers
- Folder from Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files
- Chicago, Illinois
- September 6
- Washington County Bicentennial Parade - Ford, Susan (Sheila R. Weidenfeld Files)
- September 16
- Remarks at the Bicentennial Tribute Dinner of the Italian-American Foundation (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)
- December 10
- 12/10/1976 - Recorded Remarks, CBS Bicentennial Minute (Reading Copy of Presidential Speech)