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The Declaration in script and Print

Thursday, April 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Join us for the next program in the Generation Declaration series, “The Declaration in Script and Print,” with John Bidwell, Curator Emeritus at the Morgan Library.

FOR MORVEN MEMBERS

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The Declaration of Independence became a work of art during the nineteenth century. New printing technologies helped to produce copiously ornamented facsimile editions illustrated with portraits, autographs, and patriotic emblems, some touted as precious relics, others aimed at the bottom of the market. In this talk drawing from his new book, The Declaration in Script and Print: A Visual History of America’s Founding Document, graphic arts historian John Bidwell will illustrate the widespread influence of Declaration prints and broadsides on American popular culture.. 

John Bidwell is a curator emeritus at the Morgan Library & Museum. His previous books include Graphic Passion: Matisse and the Book Arts (2015) and Paper and Type: Bibliographical Essays (2019).

This program will be offered in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and virtual tickets. Virtual attendees will receive a Zoom webinar link with their registration confirmation email. Copies of The Declaration in Script and Print: A Visual History of America’s Founding Document will be available for purchase and signing with the author following the talk.

About the Generation Delcaration SEries

2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Join Morven, the home of a Signer, as we dive into all things Declaration with a new public program series. Generation Declaration invites public historians, scholars, and writers to share their work researching little known or underrepresented aspects of America’s founding document. 

Join us in discovering: Who was this document written for and why? How was it printed and represented visually? What did news outlets have to say about it? In what ways has the document been repurposed for other movements for justice and independence?

Upcoming programs in the Generation Declaration Series:

• Thursday, April 9, 2026 - John Bidwell, Curator Emeritus at the Morgan Library, on “The Declaration in Script and Print”
• Sunday, May 17, 2026 - Holly Brewer, OAH Distinguished Lecturer Holly Brewer, Burke Professor of American History and Associate Professor at the University of Maryland
• Sunday, July 19, 2026 - Emily Sneff, Public Historian and Author, on “When the Declaration was News”