The Semiquincentennial Summer Continues at the Museum With Special Programming, Rare Documents That Showcase the Original Printers and Purveyors of the Declaration

The Declaration’s Journey Includes Dunlap Broadside Printing of Declaration, First Broadside to Include Names of Signers of Declaration of Independence, Ahead of Respective 250th Anniversaries

The Semiquincentennial summer is still in full swing at the Museum of the American Revolution. Six historic printings of the Declaration remain on display in our special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey, including rare broadsides printed by John Dunlap and Mary Katharine Goddard that signal ongoing 250th anniversaries of our nation’s founding.

The Dunlap printing — which is on loan from the National Archives of the United Kingdom and is one of only 26 others are known to survive today — was once owned by Jewish immigrant merchant Jonas Phillips. Two hundred and fifty years ago on July 28, 1776, Phillips folded up the Dunlap broadside and enclosed it in a letter written in Judeo-German, or Yiddish, to Gumpel Samson, his cousin and business associate in Amsterdam, along with a bill of exchange for his mother. Phillips owned a shop on Market Street near the printing office where Dunlap created these first broadsides of the Declaration. In the letter to Sampson, he explained that he was sharing “a whole declaration of the new country,” the newly created United States of America. However, a British ship intercepted the parcel before it could reach its destination, and it has remained in The National Archives of the United Kingdom for the last 249 years. This is the first time these items have been back in Philadelphia since 1776 as well as on display publicly.

Additionally, Aug. 2 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration, which was done by the majority of the Continental Congress at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, on Aug. 2, 1776. Baltimore printer and postmaster Mary Katharine Goddard was the first person to print the Declaration with the signatories’ names a few months later in January 1777. The Goddard broadside is also on display in The Declaration’s Journey, on loan from Brian and Barbara Hendelson.

Additional Semiquincentennial programming throughout the summer includes the Museum’s Meet the Revolution series, which features costumed living historians who interpret the lives of the diverse people of the Revolutionary era.  Educator and interpreter Vicki Embrey will showcase how garments were made for women of Philadelphia and how the Revolutionary War impacted the lives of women in the clothing trade from Friday, July 24-Saturday, July 25, 2026. From Friday, Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, public historian Kirsten Hammerstrom will discuss how upholsterers who made soft coverings for furniture were contracted to make military goods during the American Revolution. Lastly, living historian Daniel Sieh will interpret the lives of Asians in the United States during the 18th century on Sept. 5, 2026, during Labor Day Weekend.

Additionally, Common Press will return on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, to host a printmaking workshop where visitors can learn how printing presses were used to spread the word about independence.

To close out the Semiquincentennial summer, Labor Day Weekend at the Museum will include free admission for children ages 12 and under from Saturday, Sept. 5 – Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. Free admission is available at the front desk and not redeemable online.  

The Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m.– 6 p.m. with the Museum gift shop open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Starting Sunday, Aug. 2, the Museum hours will change to 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with the gift shop open from 10 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215.253.6731, at AmRevMuseum.org, or at the front desk. Save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online. Children ages 5 and under are always free. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days. 

About Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum, which opened on April 19, 2017, is an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.