The Declaration of Independence Is on the Way

Duke and Durham’s We the People initiative will feature rare copies of the document, along with a series of community programs

collage of different activities taking place at Duke University for We the People

This is a summary of a story on Duke Arts.

Arts units across Duke are focusing on a rare exhibition of the Declaration of Independence as the centerpiece of a year-long series of arts, humanities, and community programs tied to We the People, a Duke and Durham initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The exhibition will feature three historic copies of the Declaration, including a rare Stone Declaration, and will be displayed at the Durham County Main Library from September 8-20 and at Duke’s Nasher Museum of Art from Sept. 24 to Jan. 3, 2027.

“We want people to encounter the Declaration not simply as a treasured artifact, but as a living document that continues to inspire questions about democracy, belonging, and civic life,” said Deborah Rutter, vice provost for the arts.

At the Nasher, visitors will experience related exhibitions that explore themes of democracy, justice, activism, and the American experience. Combined, these exhibitions encourage audiences to examine how the ideals expressed in the Declaration have been interpreted, challenged, and expanded over the last 250 years.

The initiative also extends into the Duke Arts Presents’ 2026-27 season, Our Common Home, which features musicians, dancers, theater artists and storytellers whose work reflects diverse American experiences. Performances by artists such as shirlette ammons, Christian McBride, Matthew Rushing, Hope Boykin and Awadagin Pratt will explore themes of identity, history and community through a variety of artistic traditions.

In addition, Trinity College’s “Belonging?” initiative aims to engage faculty, students and the public through courses, lectures, performances and discussions examining how concepts of identity and citizenship have changed over time..

To learn more about the events, visit Duke Arts.