Declaration of Independence: Resources

The Gilder Lehman Institute for American History has a nifty timeline of all the events leading up to and including the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War, which is very easy to read and navigate if you just need to brush up on your dates and events.

The site for the Declaration of Independence hosted by the National Archives, where the actual document is kept, has several articles and lots of useful historical information, as well as a high-quality images of the Declaration that you can download and zoom into to your heart's content.

The Library of Congress links to this page, so it's fairly trustworthy. It includes basic information, as well as some links to other interesting related events and documents, like maps. Who doesn't love a good map?

Signing the Declaration of Independence: the Musical.

Nicholas Cage needs to steal the Declaration of Independence, because it has a treasure map on the back. Side note: this may not be historically accurate.

Don't worry, Thomas Jefferson was real. Not in this case though, the interview is with an impersonator from Colonial Williamsburg. Although honestly, the guy playing Jefferson probably knows the man about as well as anyone could.

Jefferson, Franklin, Sam Adams and company sing a familiar rock ballad, but with words dedicated to King George III. It includes an enthusiastic violin solo by "Jefferson" and Ben Franklin on electric guitar.

In this video, a bunch of celebrities, including Kevin Spacey, Winona Ryder, and Renee Zellweger read the Declaration of Independence. The video's a little old, so you may marvel at how young everyone looks.

If you've never experienced Schoolhouse Rock, you've been missing out. They write some of the catchiest educational songs out there—yes, it is possible to write a catchy educational song. "Conjunction Junction" will get stuck in your head like nobody's business.

JFK read the Declaration on public radio on July 4th, 1957 as part of 4th of July celebrations. JFK plus the Declaration of Independence? If that's not pure America then nothing is.

Here is the original signed copy of the Declaration, which resides in the National Archives. Contrary to some people's belief—*cough, Nic Cage, *cough—there is no treasure map on the back.

Here's the printed version of the Declaration that was sent immediately to local assemblies and leaders starting on July 5, 1776.

You've probably seen this painting, as it's the most famous image of the signing of the document (although this event has somehow not been a major source of inspiration for artists). The picture hangs in the U.S. Capitol building.

There are many portraits of Thomas Jefferson; apparently the guy was popular. This one is part of a set hanging in the National Gallery, done by Gilbert Stuart of the first five presidents.

Ever wonder how Jefferson would handle text-speak? Wonder no more!