Declaration at 250
2026 is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Do you know what’s in America’s founding document and its impact on the world? Here’s an opportunity to learn more! It’s a national movement of ideas.
Declaration 1776 Traveling Exhibition
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy, a special traveling exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History will tour 47 Kansas cultural institutions between January 3 and December 31, 2026.
About the Exhibition
When the Declaration of Independence was issued, the idea that “all men are created equal” was revolutionary. With this seminal document, the Founding Fathers unleashed an open-ended driving force that would shape modern history. Around the world, other countries have declared independence taking the US Declaration of 1776 as a model. This exhibition uses primary sources to illustrate how Americans and people across the world have been inspired by the Declaration in their pursuit of equality and self-determination. A special exhibit panel on “Kansas” in 1776 is also included.
Declaration Conversations
Community Readings and Discussions of the Declaration of Independence
Application Deadline: November 14, 2025
Do you know what’s in America’s founding document and its impact on the world? Declaration Conversations spark discussions with facilitated readings of the Declaration of Independence in your community. This is a special opportunity available to 20 nonprofit organizations in Kansas.
These interactive events invite community members to read the Declaration of Independence aloud and consider the history and impact of this historic document. An HK facilitator will engage participants with questions for discussion and reflection.
- Applications are competitive
- Submission of application does not guarantee funding
- $100 program fee required for all hosts.
Declaration Conversations Toolkits
Available January 2026. Host a DIY Declaration Conversation in your community with free online tools from Humanities Kansas. Download a PowerPoint, discussion questions, and copies of the Declaration of Independence to create your own presentation.
In the News
Declaration at 250 is sponsored in part by the State of Kansas through the Kansas Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.
For more information, contact Tracy Quillin, associate director, at 785-357-0359.
Follow HK’s social media for more details and follow the Kansas 250th Commission to see what’s happening statewide.