NEWS RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jessica Knoell, Library Director
12/22/2025 620-659-3341, director@kinsleylibrary.info
https://kinsleylibrary.info/
Kinsley Public Library to Host National
Declaration of Independence Exhibition in 2026
Kinsley Kansas – Kinsley Public Library will host “Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy,” a traveling exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, from January 3, 2026-February 2, 2026 at the Kinsley Public Library at 208 East 8th Street. The Kansas tour of “Declaration 1776” is presented by Humanities Kansas.
When the Declaration of Independence was issued, the idea that “all men are created equal” was revolutionary. With this seminal document, the Founding Fathers unleashed an open-ended driving force that would shape modern history. Around the world, other countries have declared independence taking the US Declaration of 1776 as a model. “Declaration 1776” uses primary sources to illustrate how Americans and people across the world have been inspired by the Declaration in their pursuit of equality and self-determination. The Kansas “Declaration 1776” traveling exhibition includes a section called “Kansas 1776,” which looks at what was happening on the land that would become the state of Kansas 250 years ago.
On January 3, 2026, 11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m., we will have a family craft program called “Declaration of Me”. Each person will make their own Declaration and age their paper to look old and weathered.
“When in the course of my day, it becomes necessary to declare my rights…”
“I believe that it is unfair when I am told to go to bed early, or when I have to clean my room before playing games…”
“I, therefore, declare my independence from chores on Saturdays and claim my right to an extra hour of playtime, effective immediately!”
On January 17, 2026 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Tonia Compton, Assistant Professor of History at Kansas Wesleyan University, will present on the Declaration of Independence. Join us for discussions and refreshments.
On January 27, 2026 from 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. we will have a book discussion over “My Dear Hamilton” by Stephanie Dray. Bethine Wetzel will lead the Book Talk discussion. Patrons are able to check out the books at the library’s circulation desk.
“‘Declaration 1776’ is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Kansas communities to participate in the national commemoration of America’s 250th right in their own hometowns,” said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas executive director. “We look forward to robust community conversations about America’s founding document and its impact on the world.”
Kinsley Public Library is one of 46 Kansas venues hosting “Declaration 1776” in 2026. For a full schedule of locations and dates, visit humanitieskansas.org.
The “Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy” traveling exhibition is made possible in Kansas with support from the Kansas Arts Commission and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.
For more information about “Declaration 1776” at Kinsley Public Library contact us at 620-659-3341 or visit the web site at https://kinsleylibrary.info.
ABOUT HUMANITIES KANSAS
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas. Since 1972, HK’s programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and invite new insights. Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK encourages Kansans to draw on diverse histories, literatures, and cultures to create connections with one another and strengthen Kansas communities and our democracy.
