In 2026, the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, a document that articulated enduring ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government. This exhibition focuses on Benjamin Franklin and a lesser-known moment in the revolutionary story: his 1776 journey to Montreal, undertaken just months before the Declaration was signed.
Traveling north on a diplomatic mission to secure support for the American cause, Franklin passed through the upper Hudson Valley, including an overnight stay in present-day Glens Falls. Along the way, he carried more than political objectives. Franklin embodied a belief in education as a public good, an informed and engaged citizenry, a free press, and the practical use of knowledge to improve daily life.
Though his mission to Canada ultimately failed, Franklin returned to Philadelphia to help shape the final language of the Declaration of Independence, refining ideas that would define the new nation. By tracing Franklin’s journey and the principles he advanced, this exhibition connects local places to a pivotal national moment and invites visitors to consider how the ideals articulated in 1776 continue to guide and challenge the United States today.
Featured Image: Joseph-Siffred Duplessis (1725-1802), Benjamin Franklin, ca. 1785