America's 1776: Independence and its Enduring Legacies

July 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This central moment in American history has shaped our national self-perception for 250 years even as writers and scholars have debated the origins and meaning of the events of 1776 from the time they occurred until today. Inspired by these discussions and the national commemoration of independence, the David Center for the American Revolution at the American Philosophical Society is convening a conference in June 2026. 

Learn more about the program here.

This event is free and open to the public. Please register to attend this event in person or virtually. Livestream will be available via the Society's YouTube page.

America's 1776 is one of three conferences co-hosted by DCAR and the APS in 2026. These conferences seek to examine the American Revolution in global, national, and local contexts, to view the American Revolution in relationship to the Age of Revolutions, and to debate the central forces of change at work in the period. The other events are:

Global 1776: Imperial World in Upheaval (Hong Kong, March 12-14, 2026)

Europe’s American Revolution (Paris, October 2026; details forthcoming)

For more information, contact Brenna Holland, Assistant Director of Library & Museum Programs at [email protected].