American Aspirations

For nearly 250 years, Americans have been inspired by the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence. American Aspirations brings together for the first time more than 30 of Smithsonian’s most treasured objects to commemorate this founding document. The exhibition invites visitors to consider how the founding ideals of 1776 have been interpreted and how each generation has reached towards new understandings of freedom, opportunity, and a shared future.

American Aspirations received support from Jacqueline B. Mars and the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250, a Smithsonian-wide initiative commemorating the nation’s 250th. Major support for Our Shared Future: 250 has been provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Additional contributions have been made by Target and the Gates Foundation.