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Library of Congress Exhibition Explores Declaration of Independence's Legacy

exhibition · 2026-07-05

The Library of Congress opened 'The Declaration’s Promise: A Revolutionary Idea' on July 3 in the David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery. The exhibition examines the Declaration of Independence's principles—self-government, natural rights, and equality—and their influence on American history over 250 years. It features Thomas Jefferson’s original rough draft of the Declaration, a rarely displayed treasure. The show runs through July 3, 2027.

Key facts

  • Exhibition opened July 3 at Library of Congress
  • Located in David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery
  • Runs through July 3, 2027
  • Features Thomas Jefferson's original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence
  • Explores principles: self-government, natural rights, equality
  • Covers impact from 1776 to present
  • Begins with America's revolutionary moment
  • Uses language from the Declaration's phrases

Entities

Institutions

  • Library of Congress
  • David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery

Locations

  • Washington, D.C.
  • United States

Sources