Young historians step into the shoes of America's founders by signing a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence during American Battlefield Trust educational events, connecting with the ideals and history that shaped the nation. Photo Credits: Left and center images 2024 Dave Johnson/Gettysburg Images; right image Rippon Lodge / Palmer Hittesdorf.
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June 2, 2026
Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence, and then thousands of men, women and children read it and interpreted it ... and continue to. Discover their stories and reactions with fresh, classroom-ready materials that encourage an inclusive 250th commemoration.
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By Sarah Bierle
There’s something inspiring about watching a child hold a quill pen, dip it into a bottle of messy ink, and oh-so-carefully write their name at the end of a replica copy of the Declaration of Independence. Hands-on history experiences like this can symbolize the ongoing pursuit of liberty and be a reminder of how individuals have signed, read, reinterpreted, challenged and expanded the hopes for “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
July 2026 marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress voted for independence from Britain and adopted the Declaration of Independence. And it’s 250 years of forging the meaning of national, community and personal independence within the United States. Primary sources and lesson plans help explore the reactions of signers, the public in 1776, women, and African Americans and how “when in the course of human events” continues to shape our past and future.
For the “signers” in 1776, adding their name to the Declaration of Independence was an act of treason in the eyes of King George III. These men pledged “our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” The 56 signers came from widely different backgrounds and from all 13 colonies. The majority were lawyers, merchants and plantation owners. Others were physicians, farmers, land speculators, scientists, printers, and even a musician and a minister. Some were among the wealthiest men in the colonies; others could barely afford a suit to wear. The average age of a congressional delegate was 44.5 years; the youngest delegate was 26 (Edward Rutledge), and the oldest was 70 (Benjamin Franklin). Eight of the signers had immigrated to the colonies. Sixteen were college graduates or attendees while five were self-educated with no formal schooling.
From differing perspectives and regions, these men assembled in Philadelphia, and after much debate declared that “these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.”
The Declaration of Independence founded the United States of America and laid a vision for political and societal liberty. The reaction to the Declaration of Independence was varied, passionate and sometimes enthusiastic. Exploring the responses to the document and the vision for the pursuit of liberty are key for understanding what independence meant … then and now. Primary sources give us opportunities to explore the words and thoughts of 1776 with inquiry study.
For example:
Though most women did not take a prominent role in public affairs or public settings, women were seen as the confidants and benefactors of male success in politics and business. Women could not participate in politics by holding office or voting, but many were self-informed about the political issues of the era and had strong opinions that sometimes influenced the men in their lives or social circles.
For example, Abigail Adams, whose husband signed the Declaration of Independence and whom she had previously encouraged to “remember the ladies” when making new laws, responded to the news:
Tho your Letters never fail to give me pleasure, be the subject what it will, yet it was greatly heightned by the prospect of the future happiness and glory of our Country; nor am I a little Gratified when I reflect that a person so nearly connected with me has had the Honour of being a principal actor, in laying a foundation for its future Greatness. May the foundation of our new constitution, be justice, Truth and Righteousness. (Read the complete letter here).
It would be 143 years before women would have the right to vote, through the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but they were deeply interested in the decisions that would affect their lives, families and new nation.
Three Free Lesson Plans:
One of the troubling realities of the Declaration of Independence’s ideal of self-evident truths “that all men are created equal” was that slavery existed and was expanding in the new United States. In fact, dozens of signers enslaved fellow humans, and many recognized that awful irony.
Thomas Jefferson's early draft of the Declaration of Independence included a notable paragraph, attacking King George III for allowing the transatlantic slave trade to continue. However, during the Continental Congress’ revisions, the bulk of the paragraph was removed and reduced to a veiled reference against slavery.
While African American men fought in the Continental Army and for national independence, their personal freedoms remained at risk or nonexistent. Decades later in 1852, abolitionist and freedom seeker Frederick Douglass strongly questioned “What to the slave is Fourth of July?” calling out the hypocrisy of celebrating liberty while slavery was still sanctioned. The American Civil War (1861-1865) and the 13th Amendment to the . Constitution ushered in the abolition of slavery, finally fulfilling promises and hopes for freedom in the U.S. The pursuit of liberty would continue, and liberty would be defined and defended through the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.
So, who’s signing and reading the Declaration of Independence? We are. (“We the People” as the U.S. Constitution later explained in 1787.) While 56 men put their names on the document and lives on the line to create a new nation, it was just the beginning. There were limits to the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights; and future constitutional amendments would further expand and guarantee the concepts of liberty.
It’s an ongoing story and the next chapters are always ready to “solemnly publish and declare.” That’s what I think about as I watch a child print with quill and ink. We are constantly writing the next part of liberty’s story—it’s triumphs, challenges, quests and promises fulfilled. What a privilege to pause and look back and help our students learn as they take pen in hand to add their names—their stories—to this great hope for freedom.
Three Free Lesson Plans:
Sarah Kay Bierle works as an Education Coordinator at the American Battlefield Trust, developing lesson plans and hosting professional development for teachers. She is thrilled to be part of the Trust’s mission to preserve historic land, educate about history, and inspire future generations.
This collection traces the nation’s journey from colonial life and growing resistance to British rule, through the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the creation of a new constitutional government. Organized thematically, the resources support instruction in U.S. history, civics, and ELA while encouraging inquiry, discussion, and critical thinking.
The Share My Lesson team has selected a variety of free lesson plans, educational resources and classroom materials to support you while celebrating Constitution Day with your students.
