Declaring Independence: Creating and Re-creating America's Document

Most of the signers of the Declaration suffered significant losses in family and fortune as a result of their association with the Revolutionary cause. The Albert H. Small Declaration of Independence Collection includes a set of autographed letters and documents representing all fifty-six signers. The signers' letters, many of which are on display, contain important details about military matters and wartime events. Early nineteenth-century letters document the discussions among the signers about the Declaration's legacy and their own place in history.