When the Declaration of Independence Was News
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students
Most of us think of the Declaration of Independence as something fixed in history, a document whose importance was obvious the moment it was signed. But in 1776, nobody knew what would come of it, or whether the fight for independence would even be won. Join us for a conversation with historian Emily Sneff, author of the new book When the Declaration of Independence Was News, published for the 250th anniversary of the United States. Sneff has spent years researching how news of independence actually reached people, not only through the debates inside the Continental Congress, but through the work of printers, post riders, ship captains, town leaders, soldiers, clerks, preachers, diplomats, and translators who carried the news across the thirteen states and the wider Atlantic world.
The program will trace that same journey, from Philadelphia to cities like New York, Boston, and Charleston, and on to London, Paris, and beyond, showing how people both celebrated and pushed back against the Declaration as it reached them. It's a chance to revisit a familiar piece of American history from a new angle: as breaking news, experienced by real people in real time, before anyone could know how the story would turn out.
Program Schedule
- 5:00 p.m. Members Only Reception Begins
- 5:30 p.m. Doors Open & Check-In Available
- 6:00 p.m. Program Begins
- 7:30 p.m. Program Concludes & Book Sale,Signing & Dessert Reception Begins
- 8:00 p.m. Book Sale, Signing & Dessert Reception Concludes
Know Before You Go
- All are welcome! We invite students, faculty, staff, and community to attend.
- Admission is free, but registration is required. Please check in when you arrive.
- We offer a free Community Conversations dessert reception following the program to reflect and chat about what you heard.
- In-person attendance is encouraged. However, to ensure our events are accessible to all, we offer a virtual option.
- This event takes place on GVSU's City Campus in downtown GR. Free parking is available with validation.
About the Hauenstein Center
Inspired by Ralph Hauensteins life of leadership and service, the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies is dedicated to raising a community of ethical, effective leaders for the twenty-first century.
Consider supporting our work by becoming a member. Members enjoy special benefits like pre-event receptions at events.
Location Information
Richard M. DeVos Center, Loosemore Auditorium
Virtual Option Available
Contact Information
(616) 331-2770
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This event was added to the calendar by Kahler Sweeney (sweenkah@gvsu.edu) on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 and was last updated on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 9:13 a.m.