• Heather Grey "Happy July 2” v-neck shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back from the history list store
  • Front close-up of "Happy July 2” v-neck shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back from The History List store
  • "Happy July 2” v-neck shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back from The History List store in Ice blue color
  • "Happy July 2” v-neck shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back from The History List store
  • Back of "Happy July 2” v-neck shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back from The History List store
  • Close-up of the back of "Happy July 2” v-neck shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back from The History List store in heather grey color
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The History List

"Happy July 2” v-neck shirt with John Adams and his quote on the back

$ 32.95 USD
$ 32.95 USD
Sale Sold out
Color
Size

 Our original design, with "Happy July 2" on the front and, on the back, an image of John Adams with his famous pronouncement, 

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America.”

— John Adams, Philadelphia, July 3, 1776

 

The shirt: In your choice of fabric, fit, and color.

  • Heather grey - Printed on a 4.3 oz 100% cotton shirt with comfortable, relaxed fit. This is a new shirt we've added in response to feedback, so if you prefer a women's v-neck shirt that is less fitted, this is the one for you. SIzes: S-3XL. See size chart.
  • Ice blue - Printed on a super soft 4.3 ounce t-shirt from Next Level that is 60% cotton / 40% polyester jersey and has been pre-washed to reduce shrinkage. This is the v-neck we've been offering, and based on the feedback from buyers, one of whom characterized it as more of a "feminine fit," order a size larger than you would if you were ordering a standard men's/unisex shirt. Sizes: S - 2XL.  See size chart.

    Important: Order one size up. Will not be reprinted in this color.

You may also find this design on a crewneck shirt for men and women, tank top for women, and a sticker.

Historical background behind the Design

John Adams, writing to his wife from Philadelphia on July 3: 

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

(Spelling from the original. "Epocha" is an archaic form of "epoch.")


Why July 2? The Continental Congress declared freedom from Britain on July 2. They approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

As explained by The Constitution Center:

After voting on independence on July 2, the Continental Congress then needed to draft a document explaining the move to the public. It had been proposed in draft form by the Committee of Five (John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson) and it took two days for the Congress to agree on the edits.

Once the Congress approved the actual Declaration of Independence document on July 4, it ordered that it be sent to a printer named John Dunlap. About 200 copies of the “Dunlap Broadside” version of the document were printed, with John Hancock’s name printed at the bottom. Today, 26 copies remain.

That is why the Declaration has the words, “IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776,” at its top, because that is the day the approved version was signed in Philadelphia.

On July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon of Philadelphia read a printed Declaration of Independence to the public for the first time on what is now called Independence Square."

 

Shipping

Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price is still fixed at $5.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs. And $8.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.

Timing

We try to ship orders within three business days of receiving them. This applies to in-stock items. Framed items or items requiring personalization may take up to two weeks longer.

We close for a week over Independence Day and Christmas. A notice will appear at the top of every page of the site in advance of this closure.

We ship most orders via USPS, so if the post office is closed, we won't be shipping orders that day.

If you need to receive your order by a certain date, such as to give as a gift or have for a trip, we recommend ordering at least two weeks in advance, especially if you are use USPS shipping. 

If you're looking for reliable, on-time deliveries, we strongly suggest upgrading to "UPS 3 Business Day Select Shipping."

Additional notes:

  • When fulfillment takes longer, such as around the Christmas holidays, we'll put up an announcement in the site and will list recommended shipping deadlines below.
  • If an item is out of stock, we will contact you.
  • If one of your items is an advance order, that will be noted on the product page along with an estimate of when it will ship. If that estimated date changes, the product page will be updated.

    Charges for shipping to destinations in the United States and to APO, DPO, and FPO addresses

    • Free shipping
      • On stickers, magnets, decals, patches, static clings, and individual button pins.

    • US Postal Service shipping - The least expensive, though also less reliable than UPS. We strong recommend selecting UPS (details below), especially during November and December.
      • $5.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

        Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price is still fixed at $5.95. Our flat rate shipping means you can add another t-shirt, cap, or book for no additional shipping charge.

      • $8.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.

    We strongly recommend using UPS, especially in November and December.
      • UPS 3 Business Day Select
      Cut off time: Order must be received by 3 pm Eastern and it will ship the next business day.
        UPS's normal (non-holiday) delivery guarantee is by the end of the third business day.  See the UPS site for details.
          • $14.95 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.

          • $18.95 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
          • If the actual shipping cost is much, much higher than what we’re charging, we reserve the right to contact customers to discuss options.

        • UPS Overnight (Next Business Day Delivery)
        Before placing your order, call 469-233-7712.

        Charges for shipping to destinations outside the United States

        Limited to US Postal Service International Service only.

        • Canada and Mexico

          • $18.00 for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, button packs.
          • $24.00 for hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets.
        • Rest of the World

          • Rates starts at $65.00.

        Additional charges for all destinations

        Some large, heavy items may have an additional shipping charge.  If that's the case, it will be noted on the product page.

          All designs are copyrighted by The History List

          All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.

          Mission

          Your purchases support our mission to engage people with local history and to support historic sites and history organizations across the country.

          Customer Reviews

          Based on 2 reviews
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          K
          Kelly G.
          Well made and so soft

          I love my Happy July 2 shirt. Fits true to size and is so soft. This is my third or fourth shirt from History List!

          A
          Audrey T.
          Women's V neck

          Purchased Happy 2nd in both the cotton and v neck polycotton shirts. The polycotton I sized up one as suggested and cotton ordered normal women's size. Love both shirts.

            ["1776","Declaration of Independence","Fourth","Gray","Grey","hardcore","History buff","History lover","History student","History teacher","John Adams","July 2nd","NBIS","Revolutionary War","v-neck"]