Participate
TALKS
Arion Press and its partners present a program of public talks in conjunction with Declare: A Civic Gospel. These events feature leading contributors and invited guests in conversation about the legacy of the Declaration of Independence and its relevance today.
Through lectures, panel discussions, and readings, the series fosters dialogue around the document’s historical context and its evolving role in contemporary civic life.
Norfolk, VA
The Chrysler Museum of Art
June 27, 2026
New York, NY
The New York Historical Society
September 23, 2026
THE Virigina LAUNCH
Monticello West Lawn
May 2, 2026
Dr. Andrew Davenport, historian and Vice President of Research at Monticello
Chip Kidd, graphic designer and writer
George Packer, journalist and novelist
Tré Seals, founder of Vocal Type and type designer
Poetry reading by Tim Seibles
Concessions, including award-winning Jefferson Vineyards wine and Monticello beer, will be available.
A shared reading of the Declaration of the Independence
Remarks from VA250 Honorary Chair Carly Fiorina and Ted Gioia, Program & Development Director from Arion Press
Musical performances by gospel musician Horace Scruggs
A panel discussion with DECLARE contributors, moderated by Monticello President and DECLARE editor Dr. Jane Kamensky
Maggie Blackhawk, Professor at NYU and prize-winning scholar
THE California LAUNCH
The Chrysler Museum of Art
June 27, 2026
Dr. Andrew Davenport, historian and Vice President of Research at Monticello
Chip Kidd, graphic designer and writer
George Packer, journalist and novelist
Tré Seals, founder of Vocal Type and type designer
Poetry reading by Tim Seibles
Concessions, including award-winning Jefferson Vineyards wine and Monticello beer, will be available.
A shared reading of the Declaration of the Independence
Remarks from VA250 Honorary Chair Carly Fiorina and Ted Gioia, Program & Development Director from Arion Press
Musical performances by gospel musician Horace Scruggs
A panel discussion with DECLARE contributors, moderated by Monticello President and DECLARE editor Dr. Jane Kamensky
Maggie Blackhawk, Professor at NYU and prize-winning scholar
THE New York LAUNCH
The New York Historical Society
September 23, 2026
Dr. Andrew Davenport, historian and Vice President of Research at Monticello
Chip Kidd, graphic designer and writer
George Packer, journalist and novelist
Tré Seals, founder of Vocal Type and type designer
Poetry reading by Tim Seibles
Concessions, including award-winning Jefferson Vineyards wine and Monticello beer, will be available.
A shared reading of the Declaration of the Independence
Remarks from VA250 Honorary Chair Carly Fiorina and Ted Gioia, Program & Development Director from Arion Press
Musical performances by gospel musician Horace Scruggs
A panel discussion with DECLARE contributors, moderated by Monticello President and DECLARE editor Dr. Jane Kamensky
Maggie Blackhawk, Professor at NYU and prize-winning scholar
SIGN your JOHN HANCOCK
Sign your own copy of the Declaration of Independence at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. No registration required; pick up your copy any time at XX visiting hours at the XX on Monticello.
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, 11am-4pm
• June 13, 11am-2pm
• 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.”