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Nicodemus, Kan. – Nicodemus National Historic Site will host “Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy,” a traveling exhibition from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, April 2–July 13 at the Nicodemus Township Hall, 304 Washington Ave, Nicodemus, KS 67625.
The Kansas tour of “Declaration 1776” is presented by Humanities Kansas. This exhibit presentation is a part of Nicodemus National Historic Site’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
When the Declaration of Independence was issued, the idea that “all men are created equal” was revolutionary and eventually shaped much of modern history. “Declaration 1776” uses primary sources to illustrate how Americans and people across the world have been inspired by the Declaration in their pursuit of equality and self-determination. The Kansas “Declaration 1776” traveling exhibition includes a section titled “Kansas 1776,” which looks at what was happening on the land that would become the state of Kansas 250 years ago.
In 1877, the Nicodemus Town Company formed to allow Black Americans to cultivate these foundational values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in their own all-Black town.
“Nicodemus reminds us that the revolutionary spirit of the Declaration of Independence lives on,” said Cassie Branstetter, Nicodemus NHS superintendent. “We are proud to host this exhibit and look forward to visitor conversations about the impact of the ideals of 1776 on the town’s history.”
Nicodemus NHS is open Thursday through Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/nico/index.htm or by contacting a park ranger at (785) 839-4233.
Nicodemus NHS is one of 46 Kansas venues hosting “Declaration 1776” in 2026. For a full schedule of locations and dates, visit humanitieskansas.org. The “Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy” traveling exhibition is made possible in Kansas with support from the Kansas Arts Commission and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.
The National Park Service is proud to help lead the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration through special events and experiences at parks across America, including many historically significant sites with direct connections to the formation of our country. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
