Washington Crossing Historic Park Hosts Lecture on Declaration of Independence on Wednesday

Since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, historians often look at the importance of the document, and the aftermath of the revolutionary war. Dr. Emily Sneff, who holds a Ph.D. in history from William and Mary and is currently a consulting curator for national exhibitions commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, explores the Declaration through a different lens. 

On April 29 at 6 p.m., Sneff will present a lecture “The Writing of the Declaration and What It Meant in 1776” at Washington Crossing Historic Park based on her book When the Declaration of Independence Was News. She will examine the document at the moment of its creation in 1776, when its legacy was uncertain and the outcome of the war against Great Britain remained unknown.

The lecture will also cover how the Declaration was printed, translated, and circulated across the emerging nation and throughout the Atlantic world, highlighting the many individuals involved in declaring independence, from printers and soldiers to diplomats and translators.

The event will also feature a living history component where historical reenactors will complement the program with interactive interpretation, as well as a moderated audience Q&A. Attendees will receive a complimentary commemorative America250 pin and will have the opportunity to meet the author, while copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Registration for the event can be found here.

This lecture is free to the public, thanks to a $15,000 grant from America250PA’s Lecture250 Series to the Friends of Washington Crossing Park. With the grant, the organization will be able to offer this signature lecture and support the other free public lectures presented at the park throughout the year, exploring the people, ideas, and events that shaped our Commonwealth and the nation.