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Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

A Most Daring Spirit –Adams, Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence, as well as the 200th anniversary of the deaths of two of its most famous signers, we are unveiling a special new exhibit highlighting the roles Massachusetts native John Adams and his rival Thomas Jefferson played in American independence.

Opening to the public on July 2, 2026, “A Most Daring Spirit – John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence,” will display treasured Revolutionary War artifacts from our Archives. Visitors will learn about:

  • The drafting of the Declaration of Independence
  • The strong influence that Massachusetts had on the Declaration’s listed reasons for separating from Great Britain
  • The political rivalry of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
  • The nearly simultaneous death of Adams and Jefferson on the 50th anniversary of signing the Declaration of Independence

This exhibit will open July 2, 2026 and be on display through July 4, with special Independence Day hours from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Parking and admission is free for all visitors.

Highlights of the exhibit include:

  • The Declaration of Independence – An original copy of the Declaration of Independence, signed by John Hancock
  • The Massachusetts Constitution – The oldest constitution still in use in the world, written by John Adams and a strong influence on the United States Constitution
  • The Bill of Rights – An original copy of the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution
  • An Order from King George III – A 1767 Order from the King and his Council, rejecting the Massachusetts Legislature’s grant of a pardon to those who participated in the Stamp Act riots
Photo of the Declaration of Independence

The Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain on July 4th 1776. They had copies of their Declaration printed and sent to the newly independent states. John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, sent this copy to Massachusetts on January 31, 1777.