Spirit of '76 Special Exhibition

In 2026 the United States observes its Semiquincentennial—250 years since its founding.

On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing their separation from Great Britain. That day marked the beginning of the United States as an independent nation. Since then, Americans have celebrated Independence Day with fireworks, parades, hot dogs, world’s fairs and festive souvenirs.  

Each major anniversary since 1776 has sparked reflection on the Declaration of Independence—what did the Spirit of ’76 mean to Americans and to Members of Congress?

For some, the Fourth of July was an occasion to remember and celebrate the Declaration’s principles. For others the document’s ideals of equality, unalienable rights, and self-government serve as inspiration for what is an unfinished journey.  

This exhibit features original artifacts, images and videos that illustrate how Congress and Americans have commemorated the Declaration on its milestone anniversaries. Original artifacts include: 

• Binns Engraving of the Declaration of Independence—one of the first prints that allowed Americans to see the Founders’ famous signatures


• Memorabilia from the 1824 visit of the Marquis de Lafayette—"The Nation’s Guest” and the last surviving general from the Revolutionary War


• The Declaration of the Rights of Women, written by Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1876  


• The Centennial Safe—a time capsule created at the 1876 Centennial Exposition and opened in the Capitol at the Bicentennial in 1976  


• Arba the Eagle puppet—a six-foot wide eagle used in videos to promote Bicentennial events supported by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration.