Panel | Declaration of Independence Printings

The 250th American birthday year's scrutiny of the Declaration of Independence's evolution, from rough drafts to widely disseminated and strategically edited printings, is shedding light on the document's original producers and consumers, shifting interpretations, and enduring influence and enigmas. A panel of scholars will present their new Declaration findings: Michael Auslin (Stanford University) and Grolier members John Bidwell (Morgan Library & Museum curator emeritus), Dan Lipcan (director of Peabody Essex Museum's Phillips Library) and Ted Widmer (CUNY). Topics will include Thomas Jefferson's aggressive capitalizations and underlinings; the risky activism of 18th-century printers Ezekiel Russell (Salem, Mass.), Mary Katharine Goddard (Baltimore), and John Dunlap (Philadelphia); and 19th- through 21st-century illustrated reinterpretations of the Declaration. The speakers' books will be available for sale and signing at the event.

Registration

If you are a Grolier Club member, please register yourself and your guests via the Club website. Do not register via Eventbrite.

Support

We appreciate your interest in the Grolier Club’s programming on the art and history of the book. For over 130 years we have offered our exhibitions and lectures to the public, free of charge. If you have enjoyed these offerings, and would like to support that tradition, and help ensure that it continues, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Grolier Club.

Accessibility

An ADA-compliant lift from street level to the lobby is available to anyone with mobility issues. All desk staff should be ready and able to assist you in operating the lift, with or without advance notice.

A “T-Coil” assisted listening system is available to anyone attending a lecture in the Exhibition Hall. Visitors with hearing aids should turn their devices to the “T” setting in order to access the system; visitors without hearing aids may request a “loop receiver” with earphones.

Environment

The temperature and humidity in the exhibition hall are tightly controlled for the sake of the valuable items on display, and this may cause the room to feel chilly, particularly in warmer weather, to those coming in from outside. Members and visitors are advised to bring a light wrap when visiting an exhibition, or attending an event in the hall.