The American Founding Documents Exhibit

To celebrate the 250th 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 on the Washtenaw County Historical Consortium website.
    • Salem-South Lyon District Library – Opens January 10th – Exhibit Info at SSLDL.info
    • Ann Arbor District Library – Opens January 16th – More Info at AADL.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.”