The Semiquincentennial Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Semiquincentennial?

The Semiquincentennial is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which will took place on July 4, 2026. The Declaration of Independence established the United States as an independent nation. 

What is the Declaration of Independence? 

The founding document of the United States, the Declaration of Independence declared that the 13 British colonies were “Free and Independent States,” rooted in the consent of the people, not the rule of a king.  

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? 

Thomas Jefferson wrote a rough draft of the Declaration, which was then debated by the Continental Congress. Delegates in the Continental Congress voted to declare independence on July 2, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence was ratified on July 4, 1776. 

Why is Philadelphia important to the story of the Declaration of Independence? 

Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776. The delegates of The Continental Congress debated and ratified the Declaration at Independence Hall, just blocks from the Museum. The first copies were printed in Philadelphia, before being distributed across the colonies and around the world. 

Why is the Declaration of Independence important? 

The Declaration of Independence announced the United States of America’s independence from Great Britain. It also became a model for people who want to change the world—to create new governments or inspire the spread of equality and individual freedom, in America and around the world. 

How can I learn more? 

The Museum’s current special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst, explores the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence, gathering together some of the most important and rare documents, works of art, and artifacts from around the world that reflect the Declaration’s complex 250-year history and legacy. View the exhibition in person through Jan. 3, 2027 or online any time.