The American Founding Documents Exhibit

To celebrate the 250^th Anniversary of America’s founding, the Washtenaw County Historical Consortium was developed and created an exhibit that introduces the five seminal documents from our nation’s history. 

The Washtenaw County Historical Consortium (WCHC) is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its “American Founding Documents” exhibit, a county-wide initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. This unique traveling exhibit will introduce the five seminal documents that shaped the nation’s history, bringing these critical historical insights directly to residents across Washtenaw County.

The “American Founding Documents” exhibit was made possible by an America250MI History Grant awarded to the Salem Area Historical Society on behalf of the Consortium. The exhibit aims to educate and inspire the community to engage in the preservation and presentation of local and national history, highlighting the enduring relevance of documents including the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, the Bill of Rights, the Northwest Ordinances and the U.S. Constitution. Thank you to faculty and students at Hillsdale College who researched and assembled this exhibit.

Key Details:

• What: The “American Founding Documents” exhibit.
• Who: Presented by the Washtenaw County Historical Consortium.
• When: Throughout 2026, with specific dates to be announced and display here.
  • Dexter District Library – January 2^nd to March 31^st – Exhibit Info at dexter.lib.mi.us
  • Salem-South Lyon District Library – January 10^th to July 10^th – Exhibit Info at SSLDL.info
  • Ann Arbor District Library – January 16^th to March 20^th – Exhibit Info at AADL.org
  • Ypsilanti Public Library – April 1^st to April 30^th – Exhibit info at ypsilibrary.org
  • Pinckney Community Public Library – May 1^st to May 31^st – Exhibit Info at PinckneyLibrary.org
  • Webster Township Historical Society – June 6^th to June 10^th – Exhibit Info at WebsterTownshipHistoricalSociety.org
  • Cobblestone Farm – June 19^th to July 4^th – Exhibit Info at
  • Salem Area Historical Society – June 27^th – Exhibit info at: SAHSHistory.org 
  • Ypsilanti Historical Society – July 4^th to August 22^nd – Exhibit Info at ypsihistory.org
  • Pittsfield Township Historical Society – July 18^th to August 17^th – Exhibit info at pittsfield-mi.gov/2136/Pittsfield-Township-Historical-Society
  • Webster Township Historical Society – September 26^th – Exhibit Info at WebsterTownshipHistoricalSociety.org
• Where: The exhibit will travel to multiple locations throughout Washtenaw County, including various historical societies and public venues.
• Cost: Admission is free to the public at all locations.

“We are thrilled to bring this significant exhibit to our community,” said Terry Cwik, President of the Washtenaw County Historical Consortium. “Understanding our foundational documents is essential to appreciating our nation’s journey, especially as we approach this historic 250th anniversary. We invite everyone to explore these pivotal moments in American history.”

WCHC American Founding Documents Exhibit Handout (Legal Size)

WCHC American Founding Documents Exhibit Handout (17 x 11)