What does the Declaration of Independence mean today?

Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 1:30 — 4:30 p.m. EDT
Location: The Brookings Institution, Falk Auditorium, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

This summer will usher in a major milestone in U.S. history: the semiquincentennial or 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. While the words on the page have not changed, the document’s significance has shifted and evolved throughout American history as civil rights and political movements captured the public’s attention. Whether it’s women’s suffrage, the Gettysburg Address or Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, progress has forced Americans to grapple anew with the founders’ intent. 

On June 30, Governance Studies at Brookings will host an event to explore the declaration’s meaning in light of today’s evolving political landscape. This event will be open to attend in person or watch online. Online viewers can submit questions via e-mail to events@brookings.edu.