The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation to Open at South Street Seaport Museum May 27

South Street Seaport Museum today announced ticket availability for The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation, a landmark exhibition of rare and historical documents marking a defining moment ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. Opening to the public on May 27, 2026, The Promise of Liberty is the first exhibition to span the fourth floor of the Seaport Museum’s A.A. Thomson & Co. building following the extensive renovation of the historic 1868 warehouse at 213 Water Street. seaportmuseum.org/promise-of-liberty

The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation is organized in cooperation with Sail4th 250 and made possible through the generous support of Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin and his civic engagement initiative Griffin Catalyst, reflecting an enduring commitment to preserving and expanding access to the documents that define American democracy. The exhibition is curated by Seth Kaller and produced by South Street Seaport Museum, inspired by Kaller’s comprehensive exhibition, guest-curated by Ken Burns at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

The Promise of Liberty will invite visitors of all ages to engage directly with the nation’s founding history through one-of-a-kind original documents, rare books, broadsides, and ephemera, alongside select reproductions of visuals that collectively shaped the American story.

As a centerpiece of the exhibition, Mr. Griffin will loan a previously unannounced acquisition: a rare copy of the 1787 ‘Official Edition’ of the United States Constitution—the second under Mr. Griffin’s stewardship and one of just 14 surviving copies. Printed for delegates to the Constitutional Convention and Confederation Congress, this exceptionally rare document will be made accessible to the public for the first time in decades, underscoring Mr. Griffin’s commitment to sharing foundational American texts and their values with broad audiences.