The Declaration of Independence

See how the words and ideas in the Declaration of Independence have impacted human rights around the world.

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

A look at Jefferson's authorship of the Declaration and its adoption by the Continental Congress.

Learn more about how the Declaration went from Jefferson's draft to global icon.

The Declaration of Independence proclaimed the creation of an American "people," asserted a claim to universal rights, and declared America to be independent of the British Empire.

This temporary exhibit at the Monticello Visitor Center explores how the Declaration of Independence went from the tip of Thomas Jefferson's quill to an icon of democracy throughout the world. Open Nov 2022 - Fall 2024.