Exhibitions

The Declaration of Independence and the Pursuit of Equality

The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 by John Trumbull, 1786–1820. Yale University Art Gallery.

Exhibition

At once a proclamation of political sovereignty, an indictment of the king of England, and an appeal for allies, the Declaration emerged from the realities of the Revolutionary War. Yet it also reached beyond its moment. Indeed, no concept in the Declaration of Independence has proven more transformative and far-reaching than the assertion that "all men are created equal." The Declaration of Independence and the Pursuit of Equality explores the document's origins and the enduring struggle to define and realize its promise of equality. 

The Declaration of Independence and the Pursuit of Equality is organized by Humanities Texas and adapted from an exhibition of the same name developed by historian Denver Brunsman, in collaboration with scholars Vanessa M. Holden, Leslie Alexander, Benjamin H. Irvin, and Eric Slaughter. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History supported the development of the exhibition, and funding support was provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Exhibition Format

Freestanding

*Rental fees are based primarily on the cost of shipping. Prices may vary based on current fuel surcharges or venue location within the state of Texas. Out-of-state rentals are priced on an individual basis. Please call for a rental fee quote specific to your venue.

Press Release

A press release is available for promoting this exhibition at your venue. Please contact the exhibitions coordinator to request a draft press release. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the exhibitions coordinator to process your request.

Publicity image

A publicity image is available for promoting this exhibition at your venue. Please contact the exhibitions coordinator to request an electronic file of this image. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the exhibitions coordinator to process your request.

Humanities Texas logos

Logo files are also available for download from the logo page.