The Declaration of Independence

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…”

When the greatest break up note in history proclaimed that all men are created equal, the Signers knew those words described an aspiration, not a reality. Despite their limitations, they put their lives on the line to support novel ideas about human rights and the true purpose of government. 

It’s worth noting that in early draft of the Declaration, Jefferson first wrote the word “subjects,” then replaced it with “citizens.” That one change shows an essential part of America’s story.

For much of the last 250 years, “all men are created equal” was seen as a positive vision and inspiration to progress. Now, too many are willing to write that off, focusing instead on the Signers’ hypocrisy, mistakes, and shortcomings.

The exhibit will provide brief background on the Declaration in 1776, but where it gets interesting is to see how the Declaration became central to the idea of America, and a beacon to expanding liberties here and around the world.

★ July 1776 Declaration broadside. ★ Cover letter signed by John Hancock calling the Declaration “the ground and foundation of a future government,” July 8, 1776. ★ First “exact” facsimile of the engrossed Declaration, 1823. The New-England Chronicle. Boston Printing of Declaration of Independence, July 18, 1776. #21704