News in Whittier
The Printed Draft of the Constitution Shows a Government Still Being Edited
David Brearley’s annotated printed draft of the Constitution preserves the crossed-out words and handwritten changes made during the final days of the Constitutional Convention. The document reveals that America’s new federal government was created through continuous debate,…
The Treaty of Paris Recognized Thirteen Free, Sovereign and Independent States
The Treaty of Paris ended the American War for Independence while recognizing the thirteen former colonies as free, sovereign and independent states. Its language reveals how different the original confederation was from the federal nation established under the Constitution.
The Oaths That Created American Allegiance
In 1778, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr and other Continental officers signed oaths renouncing King George III. These documents reveal how American allegiance originally meant loyalty to free, independent and sovereign states—not yet to one consolidated nation.
The Declaration of Independence Was a Process, Not a Single Day
The Declaration of Independence was not completed in a single moment. Congress declared independence on July 2, approved the text on July 4, ordered an engrossed copy on July 19, and began signing it on August 2, 1776.
Before Independence: The Agreement That United the American Colonies
Before declaring independence, 12 American colonies united through the 1774 Articles of Association. Signed by 53 delegates, the agreement created a coordinated economic resistance movement that helped lay the foundation for the United States.
State Exhibits Bring History, Industry and Regional Identity to Freedom 250 Fair
June 30, 2026 WASHINGTON — State exhibition halls at the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair offered visitors more than a temporary escape from the summer heat on June 30. Inside, participating states presented carefully assembled displays combining American history, tourism,…