The Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan will host “Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy,” a traveling exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, from June 27 through July 26. The Kansas tour of “Declaration 1776” is presented by Humanities Kansas.
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. “Declaration 1776” 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. The Kansas “Declaration 1776” traveling exhibition includes a section called “Kansas 1776,” which looks at what was happening on the land that would become the state of Kansas 250 years ago.
“‘Declaration 1776’ is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Kansas communities to participate in the national commemoration of America’s 250th right in their own hometowns,” said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas executive director. “We look forward to robust community conversations about America’s founding document and its impact on the world.”
To complement the “Declaration 1776” exhibit, a “Quilts of Valor” display will also be featured in the Flint Hills Discovery Center atrium. Both are free to view during normal operating hours. Included in the “Quilts of Valor” is an “America 250 USD 383 Student Commemorative Quilt”. Created by Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 students, this commemorative quilt celebrates our national anniversary.