Participate
EVENTS
This series of lectures, panel discussions, and readings produced by Arion Press and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello fosters dialogue around the document’s historical context and its evolving role in contemporary civic life.
Past
VIRGINIA
Pen to Paper Declare Launch
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
May 2, 2026
Celebrate 250 years of Jefferson’s Declaration at Pen to Paper, an afternoon of conversation, music, poetry, and theater, honoring our most shared piece of history.
Featuring voices from across American public life, Pen to Paper reflects on the Declaration’s enduring words and looks forward to a spirit of civic renewal as the nation embraces its 250th anniversary. This program also launches DECLARE: A Civic Gospel, a new collaboration between Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and the Arion Press of San Francisco.
Upcoming
SAN FRANCISCO
Declare Launch
Event at Arion Press
June 13, 2026
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence at Arion Press! Launching our commemorative edition, Declare: A Civic Gospel, the day will feature an Open House of the Press, festive family-friendly activities, and a program highlighting the collaborators that brought Declare to life. All ages welcome. Free and open to the public with registration.
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Join us for an interactive walkthrough of the traditional crafts we use to make books every day. Hands-on activities will include printing & signing your own copy of the Declaration, adding your voice to our collaborative gallery installation, and more. The Arion Press Gallery will also feature a display of the craft and historic materials used to create our upcoming artist book, Declare: A Civic Gospel.
3:30 - 4:30 PM
This dynamic conversation will feature acclaimed historian and President & CEO of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Jane Kamensky, along with many of the collaborators who participated in the creation of Declare. Learn about the making of the book and the importance of craft in shaping our civic history.
VIRGINIA
Declare Talk
Chrysler Museum in Norfolk
June 27, 2026
Details coming soon…
NEW YORK
Declare Launch
Location TBD
September, 23, 2026
Details coming soon…
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE PRINT SHOP
Sign your own copy of the Declaration of Independence at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. View details here.
Presented in partnership with Josef Beery, creator of the BookBeetle press, Virginia Arts of the Book Center, and Monticello, these live printing activities demonstrate how the Declaration would have been printed in 1776 and give you a chance to try your hand at the craft.
No registration required, free with admission to Monticello:
• May 2
• June 13
• June 20
• June 27
• July 11
• September 10
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”