The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence Around the World

See how the words and ideas in the Declaration of Independence have impacted human rights around the world.

Reading the Declaration

Get to know the Declaration of Independence a little better through this short interactive.

Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence

A look at Jefferson's authorship of the Declaration and its adoption by the Continental Congress.

Declaration of Independence Timeline

Learn more about how the Declaration went from Jefferson's draft to global icon.

The Legacy of the Declaration

The Declaration of Independence proclaimed the creation of an American "people," asserted a claim to universal rights, and declared America to be independent of the British Empire.

Declaration of Independence at Monticello Exhibit

This temporary exhibit at the Monticello Visitor Center explores how the Declaration of Independence went from the tip of Thomas Jefferson's quill to an icon of democracy throughout the world. Open Nov 2022 - Fall 2024.