The New York Public Library (NYPL) is ready to ring in America’s semiquincentennial in 2026.
Just before the Battle of Brooklyn’s anniversary on August 27th, the institution decided to provide a sneak peek at what’s to come in the year ahead. (Hint: quite a bit.)
From an in-depth exhibition to viewings of the country’s most notable piece of legislation, the NYPL’s celebration promises to be one for the books.
How the NYPL will celebrate America’s 250th birthday
One of NYC’s most beautiful libraries will showcase its manuscript copy of the Declaration of Independence, handwritten by Thomas Jefferson, from July 1st to July 3rd, 2026. (It differs from the ratified version on July 4, 1776.)
“What better place to view an original Declaration of Independence than in the city where George Washington himself read it in July, 1776,” said Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, Stacy Schiff.
She added, “The force of those words — along with the events that gave rise to them and the fervor they excited elsewhere — will be on powerful display at the NYPL, uniquely positioned to illuminate the questions of liberty and equality with which the founders grappled and for which we contend still today.”
Likewise, Library staff agreed with Schiff on this important display.
“As one of the nation’s foremost collectors and premiere research destinations, the Library holds some of our nation’s most treasured founding documents,” said Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of The New York Public Library. “This critical juncture in our nation’s history, libraries are well-positioned to help the public better understand where we stand, how we got here, and the democratic ideals we are constantly striving for.”
Reservations are required to view the Declaration of Independence and will begin in June 2026. Stay up to date with more information via NYPL Connect.
All about “Revolution: 1776 and Beyond”
One of the city’s most anticipated exhibits, “Revolution: 1776 and Beyond” is the five-part exploration of New York’s role at the beginning of the Revolution. It will also serve as a deep dive into global revolution’s that define what liberty, land, and citizenship truly mean.
This will be a full gallery takeover of the Library and begins in June 2026. Per NYPL, you can also expect:
- Correspondence between Benjamin Franklin and George Washington
- ACT Up posters
- Work from Jenny Holzer, Kara Walker, and Kerry James Marshall