News

# Exhibition to explore the making of America to feature rare Declaration of Independence

A major exhibition exploring the birth of the United States of America to
coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July
2026.

Published 20 April 2026

Revolution 250: America's Independence Story 1763-1783 will open 24 June and
feature some of the most significant letters, papers, maps and documents of that
period, including a rare Dunlap print of the Declaration of Independence itself.

> Revolution 250 will explore two pivotal decades that reshaped the world, tracing
> the dramatic rise and eventual fall of British power in America.
>
> At its heart is the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776 – a moment that
> changed history.
>
> Our records reveal the story of the American Revolution, and highlight the
> personal experiences of so many who had a stake in the fate of British America.

Dr Sean Cunningham, historian and curator at The National Archives

Also on display will be the Tea Act which ultimately led to the Boston Tea
Party, a British officer’s account of the tea party itself, the ‘Olive Branch
petition’ sent to George III from representatives of the 13 colonies in a last
attempt to avoid war in July 1775, George III’s Proclamation of Rebellion
declaring that the colonies were in open revolt, and the Treaty of Paris ending
the war with Britain accepting American independence.

> In this momentous year we are excited to be able to showcase the unique
> documents in our collection to explore the birth of what we now know as the
> United States of America.
>
> Following on from our hugely successful MI5: Official Secrets exhibition we are
> sure visitors will be informed, educated, and entertained.

Saul Nassé, Chief Executive at The National Archives

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