Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy

Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy

When the Declaration of Independence was issued, the idea that “all men are created equal” was revolutionary. With this seminal document, the Founding Fathers unleashed an open-ended driving force that would shape modern history. Around the world, other countries have declared independence taking the US Declaration of 1776 as a model. This exhibition uses primary sources to illustrate how Americans and people across the world have been inspired by the Declaration in their pursuit of equality and self-determination.

 

Image: The Declaration of Independence, William J. Stone facsimile, Washington DC, 1823 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute, GLC00154.02)

Purchase Exhibition Rent Your Copy
Facsimile reproduction of the Declaration

  • Purchase: $1,875

  • Rent: $450

LOGISTICAL INFORMATION

Size: Seven freestanding retractable panels, each 33" x 81", requiring 21 running feet for display.

Rental Information: $450 for a four-week display period

Rent Your Copy

Purchase Information: Your institution may purchase a copy of this exhibition for permanent use for $1,875. This includes all panels, supplemental material, and carrying bags for each panel. A travel case is available as a separate purchase.

Purchase Exhibition

Exhibition Resources

These resources have been curated to offer documents, videos, reading suggestions, and more for the Declaration 1776 exhibition. More resources are available on our Declaration at 250 page. 

Historical Documents

Spotlights on Primary Sources

Each Spotlight on a document from the Gilder Lehrman Collection provides explanatory text, a transcript, and an image of the featured document.

Videos

Inside the Vault

Each month, Inside the Vault highlights unique primary sources from the Gilder Lehrman Collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you need more information, please fill out this traveling exhibitions inquiry form. We strive to respond to inquiries within one business day. 

Purchase

How much does it cost to purchase this exhibition?
$1,875 for a copy of this exhibition for permanent use.

What materials are included in my exhibition purchase?
With your purchase, we order a brand new exhibition to send you. Each panel comes in its own zipped sleeve for storage and transport. You will also receive all the supplementary materials you would receive with a rental, including the Exhibition Guide and setup instructions.

What are the dimensions of the exhibition?
Six freestanding retractable panels, each 33" x 81", requiring a minimum of 15–18 running feet for display.

Does my purchased exhibition come with the travel/storage case?
The travel/storage case is a separate purchase. You can add a case for your exhibition for an additional $375 on the same menu where you bought the exhibition. All exhibitions can fit into one case except Freedom: A History of the US, which needs two.

Is shipping included in the purchase price?
Yes!

Can I purchase a “used” exhibition instead of a new one for a lower price?
Unfortunately, this is not currently an option, as all of our existing exhibitions are part of our rental stock. If your school needs financial assistance to purchase an exhibition, we recommend checking out Donors Choose.

How long will it take to receive my exhibition?
Once we receive payment, please allow 2 weeks to print and ship your new exhibition. Exhibition orders are not sent for printing until we receive payment in full.

Rental

How much does it cost to rent this exhibition?
$450

How long is the rental period?
4 weeks. Please let us know if you would like a longer booking period, and we will do our best to accommodate you! However, we cannot offer discounts for shortened booking periods.

How far in advance should I book my rental?
It is best to book 2–3 months before your desired rental date, but we can accept bookings up to a year in advance. Please note that we do not ship exhibitions until they have been paid in full, so keep this in mind when booking your exhibition.

What is included in my rental fee?
The rental cost is a flat fee that covers shipping, the exhibition, and supplemental materials. Extra charges will only occur if a venue damages an exhibition.

What are the dimensions of the exhibition?
Six freestanding retractable panels, each 33" x 81", requiring a minimum of 15–18 running feet for display.

Can I bring the exhibition to multiple venues during my rental period?
Exhibitions are limited to the location booked in the contract. While you’re free to move the exhibition to different buildings or rooms within your contracted location, we do not allow any circulation of the exhibition otherwise. If you need to feature an exhibition at various locations, we recommend purchasing it rather than renting it.

Can I reschedule my rental?
If your new rental dates are available, we will happily reschedule your rental, provided the exhibition has not already shipped to you.

How do I ship the exhibition back to you?
We’ll send you a FedEx label up to 10 days before the end of your display period and set up a pickup appointment for your exhibition return. Please remove any labels from the case before attaching the new one, and let our team know if there are any special instructions for FedEx.