DECLARE
A Civic Gospel
On the occasion of the 250 anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence, Arion Press and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello have partnered to produce a commemorative edition that embodies the craft and collaboration that founded American democracy.
Discover the world surrounding the book—its making, its makers, and the ideas it sets in motion. Learn about the craftsmanship, conversations, and collaborators involved, and explore programs and events that carry the work beyond the page.
THE BOOK
The document that founded a nation was ratified through an act of printing.
The Declaration of Independence was first published as a letterpress broadside by John Dunlap in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. 250 years after the publication of the Declaration, Arion Press has partnered with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to celebrate the power of print today.
Printed by letterpress and hand-assembled and bound at Arion Press in San Francisco, Declare: A Civic Gospel invites a symphony of American poets, essayists, novelists, artists, designers, and artisans to reflect on the nation’s inaugural words and their significance today.
Limited to 250 copies, the edition includes a letterpress-printed reinterpretation of the original Declaration broadside, ten wooden medallions engraved with imagery by leading American artists, and a volume of new writing by visionary American writers.
Participate
Virginia
Pen to Paper Declare Launch
at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
May 2, 2026
Past Event: View Recording
San Francisco
Declare Launch
Event at Arion Press
June 13, 2026
Upcoming Event: Learn More
New York
Declare Launch
Location TBD
September, 23, 2026
Upcoming Event: Learn More
Declare: A Civic Gospel invites a symphony of leading American voices—visionary poets, essayists, novelists, artists, designers, and craftspeople—to honor the Declaration’s past and imagine its future.
THE WRITERS
THE ARTISTS
THE WOOD
Adding to the material depth of the edition is the historic wood used to craft the medallions. These elements are carved from iconic tulip poplar trees planted during Jefferson's lifetime. The wood from those trees takes on a new life and meaning in this novel context.
