Friends of Washington Crossing Park (FWCP) has been awarded a $15,000 grant through America250PA’s Lecture250 Series to support their upcoming presentation, “The Writing of the Declaration and What It Meant in 1776”. The funding will help Washington Crossing Historic Park offer this signature lecture and support the other free public lectures presented at the park throughout the year, exploring the people, ideas, and events that shaped our Commonwealth and the nation.

Dr. Emily Sneff’s new book, When the Declaration of Independence Was News, examines how the Declaration was disseminated, interpreted, and remembered in Pennsylvania and across the Atlantic world in 1776. Sneff, a consulting curator for national exhibitions commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, holds a Ph.D. in History from William & Mary and will be on a national book tour in advance of the 2026 anniversary.

Rather than viewing the Declaration through the lens of hindsight, this program examines the document at the moment of its creation in 1776, when its legacy was uncertain and the outcome of the war against Great Britain remained unknown. Dr. Sneff explores how the Declaration was printed, translated, and circulated across the emerging nation and throughout the Atlantic world, highlighting the many individuals involved in declaring independence, from printers and soldiers to diplomats and translators. The lecture will also consider the Declaration’s enduring relevance in civic life today.

Following the talk, a living history component featuring historical reenactors will complement the program with interactive interpretation and a moderated audience Q&A.

Attendees will receive a complimentary commemorative America250 pin and will have the opportunity to meet the author. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.