Library of Congress Showcases Evolution of Declaration Draft

WHO:

CBS News - Ryan Reft, lead curator for the Library of Congress

CBS News - Kevin Butterfield, acting chief of the Manuscript Division at the Library of Congress

CBS News - President Abraham Lincoln

CBS News - Susan B. Anthony

CBS News - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

CBS News - John Lewis

WHAT:

CBS News - A new exhibit titled "The Declaration's Promise" is on display at the Library of Congress.

CBS News - The exhibit features a rare draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson.

CBS News - The document includes edits from Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.

CBS News - The exhibit showcases President Lincoln's draft of the Gettysburg Address.

CBS News - The collection includes a Declaration of Rights read by Susan B. Anthony and speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis.

WHERE:

CBS News - The exhibit is located at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

WHY:

CBS News - The exhibit aims to celebrate America's independence and showcase the evolution of key phrases in the Declaration of Independence, such as "all men are created equal."

HOW:

CBS News - The exhibit illustrates the changes made to the Declaration, including the shift from "subjects" to "citizens" and the evolution of the phrase "all men are created equal."

(UPDATED July 12, 2026 02:55 UTC)

A new exhibit titled "The Declaration's Promise" is now on display at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., featuring a rare draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson, complete with edits from Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. The collection also showcases President Lincoln's draft of the Gettysburg Address, along with a Declaration of Rights read by Susan B. Anthony and speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis. This exhibit aims to celebrate America's independence and illustrate the evolution of key phrases in the Declaration, highlighting changes like the shift from "subjects" to "citizens" and the iconic phrase "all men are created equal."