The Declaration of Independence

A rare copy on display at Monticello

November 2022 - August 2024 The Visitor Center Galleries

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Our exhibit at Monticello explores how the Declaration of Independence went from the tip of Thomas Jefferson's quill to become an icon of democracy throughout the world.

Visit in person at our David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center to see a rare engraving of the Declaration of Independence, participate in a digital scavenger hunt, and learn more about the impact of the Declaration around the world.

Explore the Declaration

Reading the Declaration

Get to know the Declaration of Independence a little better through this short interactive.

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Online Scavenger Hunt Look through the exhibit and see if you can spot these items along the way.

Audio and Video Gallery Hear the Declaration read out loud or watch a video about the Declaration's signing.

The Declaration of Independence is America's "mission statement."

How the Declaration Came About

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Timeline Learn more about how the Declaration went from Jefferson's draft to an international icon.

Jefferson's Rough Draft The Committee of Five edited Jefferson's draft of the Declaration before presenting a "fair copy" to the Continental Congress for consideration.

The Stone Engraving In 1823, William J. Stone produced the most accurate reproduction of the engrossed Declaration. The "Stone Declaration" would become the iconic image that Americans recognize from their history books.

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