League of Women Voters of Wheaton hosts ‘Declaration 1776’ exhibit in celebration of America’s 250th

Posted February 24, 2026 4:19 pm

By Susan Burke, League of Women Voters of Wheaton

The League of Women Voters of Wheaton is sponsoring “Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy,” a traveling panel exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, as our community marks the United States’ semiquincentennial.

The exhibit explores the lasting impact of the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary idea that “all men are created equal,” tracing how the Declaration’s ideals have inspired Americans — and people around the world — in ongoing efforts to expand equality and advance self-determination.

Through primary sources, images, and firsthand accounts, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on both the promise of 1776 and the work of democracy across generations.

“As we approach America’s 250th birthday, this exhibit invites our community to revisit the bold ideals of the Declaration — and to reflect on how each generation has worked to expand the promise of democracy,” said Wheaton League President Maury Goodman. “We’re proud to sponsor Declaration 1776 as an opportunity for residents of all ages to learn, discuss, and recommit to informed civic participation.”

Sponsorship underscores the League’s long-standing commitment to civic education and to strengthening democracy through nonpartisan voter information and community engagement.

The exhibit is designed to be accessible to a broad public audience and serves as a timely opportunity for residents, students, and families to consider the democratic principles at the nation’s founding — and how those principles have been contested and expanded over time.

“Declaration 1776” will open on Wednesday, March 4, at the DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St. in Wheaton, and continue through March 30. From there, it will move to various public library locations and other free community destinations throughout 2026.

• April 8-29: College of DuPage Library, SRC 3100, 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.

• May 8-27: Winfield Public Library, 0S291 Winfield Road

• June 11 to July 6: Wheaton Public Library, 225 N. Cross St.

• July 15 to Aug. 5: West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St.

• Aug. 17 to Sept. 4: Carol Stream Library, 616 Hiawatha Drive

• Sept. 11-29: Warrenville Public Library, 28W751 Stafford Place.

Find the list of exhibit locations at the LWV Wheaton website at my.lwv.org/illinois/wheaton/events/.

The league wishes to thank the community partners responsible for hosting the exhibit across DuPage County, including the Carol Stream Public Library, College of DuPage, DuPage County Historical Museum, Warrenville Public Library, West Chicago Public Library, Wheaton Public Library, Winfield Park District, and the Winfield Public Library.

The League of Women Voters of Wheaton is a nonpartisan, grass-roots organization dedicated to encouraging informed and active participation in government, increasing understanding of major public policy issues, and influencing public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.