Teacher Workshop | Out of Many: The Declaration at 250

During the 250th anniversary, educators are invited to explore the people, ideas, and debates that have shaped the American story.
About this Event

As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, educators are invited to explore the people, ideas, and debates that have shaped the American story. Using the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900 and artist Bartlett Frost’s immersive diorama depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this workshop examines the document’s enduring promise that “all men are created equal” and explores how that ideal has been interpreted, contested, and expanded.

Through guided inquiry, close looking, and collaborative discussion, participants will investigate the origins and meaning of the Declaration’s most famous phrase. Drawing on the portraits featured in Out of Many and the storytelling power of Frost’s diorama, the workshop will model strategies for using visual art as a primary source to engage students in conversations about freedom, citizenship, representation, and belonging.

Educators will leave with classroom-ready resources, discussion prompts, and inquiry-based teaching strategies that connect the Declaration to the diverse individuals and communities represented in the exhibition, helping students understand both the nation’s founding aspirations and the ongoing work of creating a more perfect union.

Recommended for: Grades 4–12 social studies, history, civics, humanities, and art educators

Learning Goals

· Examine the historical context and lasting impact of the Declaration of Independence

· Explore the origins and evolving meaning of the phrase “all men are created equal”

· Analyze portraits and visual narratives as primary sources for historical inquiry

· Investigate how Americans from different backgrounds have interpreted and expanded the nation’s founding ideals

· Develop classroom strategies that encourage critical thinking, civic engagement, and multiple perspectives on the American experience

The Portrait Gallery strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. If you have questions about the accessibility of this program, or if you would like to request real-time captioning (CART), sign language interpretation, or any other accommodations, please contact Vanessa Jones at [email protected]. Two weeks advance notice is appreciated for requesting accommodations.

Image Credit: Declaration of Independence diorama by Bartlett Menuey Frost and Charles E. Plastow (copy after John Trumbull). National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; Conserved with federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care and Preservation Fund, administered by the National Collections Program and the Smithsonian Collections Advisory Committee.