Events

  • Harvard & The American Revolution Self-Guided Tour

    Harvard Library

    This digital tour features 16 stops beginning at the Smith Campus Center and continuing through Harvard Yard and explores the role that Harvard affiliates had in shaping the nation’s path to independence, and how the Harvard campus transformed and operated between 1775-1776.

    Ongoing · More info

  • Author Talk: When the Declarations Was News

    Boston Public Library

    Publishing for the 250th anniversary of the United States, When the Declaration of Independence Was News focuses on the nation’s founding document at the moment of its creation in 1776, before anyone knew what the legacy of the Declaration would be or if the United States would win the war against Great Britain. It explores how the Declaration was communicated to people in the new nation and around the Atlantic world and reveals the stories of the many people involved in the process of declaring independence, from printers to soldiers to diplomats to translators. About the Speaker: Dr. Emily Sneff is an early American historian and leading expert on the Declaration of Independence. She earned her Ph.D. in History from William & Mary. She is a consulting curator for exhibitions marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration at the Museum of the American Revolution and Historic Trappe.

    Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM EDT · More info

  • Curatorial Chat: War of Words A Citizen's Eye View of the Revolution

    Harvard Library, Houghton Library

    Join John Overholt, Curator of the Donald and Mary Hyde Collection of Dr. Samuel Johnson and Early Books and Manuscripts, for a 30-minute guided tour of War of Words: A Citizen’s Eye View of the Revolution, on view in Houghton's Edison and Newman Room. This will include discussion of the themes of the exhibition, highlights from the materials on display, and ample time for participant questions.

    Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT · More info

  • Pierce Performance: We Hold These Truths

    Boston Public Library

    The Associates of the Boston Public Library present an evening of music, poetry, and connection featuring newly commissioned works by New England Conservatory and Berklee students and Regie Gibson, the first Poet Laureate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Handel & Haydn Society Youth Choir joins guest speakers and performers at this eighth installment of the Pierce Performance Series.

    Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM EDT · More information coming soon

  • War of Words Independence Day Celebration

    Harvard Library, Houghton Library

    Join us for a special opportunity to view the War of Words exhibition, including the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, on America’s 250th birthday.

    Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT · More info

  • Handwriting the Constitution and Declaration of Independence

    Boston Public Library

    In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, visitors are invited to handwrite the Declaration and the US Constitution in the Courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square. This program aims to create time and a quiet space to reflect and deepen one's understanding of these historic documents. All supplies will be provided. Participants will first stop by the supply table to pick up writing supplies and copies of the Constitution and/or Declaration of Independence. Reproductions of John Adams's personal copy of the Constitution held by Special Collections will also be available to transcribe. This program is self-paced. Patrons are invited to stay for the whole session or simply stay as long as they would like.

    Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT · More info

  • Curatorial Chat: War of Words A Citizen's Eye View of the Revolution

    Harvard Library, Houghton Library

    Join John Overholt, Curator of the Donald and Mary Hyde Collection of Dr. Samuel Johnson and Early Books and Manuscripts, for a 30-minute guided tour of War of Words A Citizen’s Eye View of the Revolution, on view in Houghton's Edison and Newman Room. This will include discussion of the themes of the exhibition, highlights from the materials on display, and ample time for participant questions.

    Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM EDT · More info

  • Zine Making: What Does the Declaration Mean 250 Years Later?

    Boston Public Library

    This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through an art-making opportunity, reflect on what the document means 250 years later and how the American Revolution relates to other protest movements and revolutions that have occurred in the United States. We will have supplies available to use and staff will be present to assist as needed. No registration is required to attend; drop-ins encouraged. Stay for as little or as long as you'd like during the event.

    Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT · More info

  • Curatorial Chat: War of Words A Citizen's Eye View of the Revolution

    Harvard Library, Houghton Library

    Join John Overholt, Curator of the Donald and Mary Hyde Collection of Dr. Samuel Johnson and Early Books and Manuscripts, for a 30-minute guided tour of War of Words A Citizen’s Eye View of the Revolution, on view in Houghton's Edison and Newman Room. This will include discussion of the themes of the exhibition, highlights from the materials on display, and ample time for participant questions.

    Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT · More info

  • Handwriting the Constitution and Declaration of Independence

    Boston Public Library

    In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, visitors are invited to handwrite the Declaration and the US Constitution in the Courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square. This program aims to create time and a quiet space to reflect and deepen one's understanding of these historic documents. All supplies will be provided. Participants will first stop by the supply table to pick up writing supplies and copies of the Constitution and/or Declaration of Independence. Reproductions of John Adams's personal copy of the Constitution held by Special Collections will also be available to transcribe. This program is self-paced. Patrons are invited to stay for the whole session or simply stay as long as they would like.

    Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT · More info

  • Zine Making: What Does the Declaration Mean 250 Years Later?

    Boston Public Library

    This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Through an art-making opportunity, reflect on what the document means 250 years later and how the American Revolution relates to other protest movements and revolutions that have occurred in the United States. We will have supplies available to use and staff will be present to assist as needed. No registration is required to attend; drop-ins encouraged. Stay for as little or as long as you'd like during the event.

    Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT · More info