Rare Declaration of Independence artifacts on display in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA —

Philadelphia is marking the 250th anniversary of America’s founding with an exhibit at the American Philosophical Society that highlights the Declaration of Independence and its historical significance.

The birthplace of democracy

Philadelphia, now the sixth-largest city in America, remains a hub of history as the birthplace of democracy.

Independence Hall, where the Second Continental Congress convened in 1776, was the meeting place for representatives from the 13 original colonies, spanning from New Hampshire to Georgia, who fiercely debated independence.

How the Declaration came together

Emily Sneff, a historian and author of “When the Declaration of Independence Was News,” explained the timeline of the document’s creation.

“So the Continental Congress declares independence on July 2, and then they turn their attention to the Declaration of Independence,” Sneff said.

She described the document, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4, as a press release to the world.

“He creates this structure with a preamble of natural rights. And that’s where we find the parts of the declaration that we know today. All men are created equal; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Sneff said.

The final paragraph

The Declaration of Independence, totaling 1,300 words, includes a lengthy list of grievances against King George III. However, Sneff emphasized the importance of the final paragraph.

“That’s the resolution which marks the transition from dependent British colonies to the free and independent United States of America. That final paragraph is all that was actually needed,” she said.

Rare artifacts on display

David Gary of the American Philosophical Society highlighted the exhibit’s rare artifacts, including different versions of the Declaration and Thomas Jefferson’s chair.

“This one’s on paper. And this one over here is on parchment. This is the only known copy that’s in parchment. So this is a rare, unique item,” Gary said.

The first published version of the Declaration included only the names of John Hancock and Charles Thomson, with the remaining 56 signers added later.

A document that still inspires

Gary reflected on the document’s significance.

“It’s just a document that sort of allows you to sort of be inspired to think bigger about what the nation could be or should be,” he said.

How the Declaration was shared

Public readings of the Declaration were also a key part of its dissemination. One such reading took place on July 8, 1776, in the state house yard, now known as Independence Square.

Bells rang out, cheers erupted, and the royal coat of arms was burned at the state house.

Exhibit details

The exhibit, titled “These Truths: The Declarations of Independence,” runs through Jan. 3, 2027, and offers visitors a chance to reflect on the enduring legacy of the nation’s founding document.