The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation Extended through November 29, 2026

South Street Seaport Museum’s landmark exhibition, The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation, featuring rare foundational documents of national importance, has been extended through November 29, 2026. The Museum has waived the special exhibition fee, making The Promise of Liberty accessible to all visitors with General Admission, and free to K–12 schools, made possible through the generous support of Griffin Catalyst. Public tickets to view the exhibition are available at seaportmuseum.org/promise-of-liberty. Schools interested in visiting the exhibition should email education@seany.org.

Highlights include a rare 1776 broadside of the Declaration of Independence; an early 1789 printing of the Bill of Rights, owned by one of the Representatives who helped shape it during the First Federal Congress; and more recent treasures such as an advance copy of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s "I have a dream" speech from his 1963 “March on Washington” remarks.

To give more students the opportunity to experience these extraordinary documents, the Seaport Museum is offering its specially developed educational program, The Power of the Page, free to all New York City schools. Schools should email education@seany.org to schedule a visit or inquire about bringing the program to their students.

“This experience was absolutely superb. I took my students to their exhibit on Liberty; however, the whole staff and educators were amazing. They took the time to educate my students and as I always say, I learn something new every day.” said Michael Agovino, Educator at Queens Gateway to Health Sciences Secondary School. Agovino continued, “The way [the museum educator] spoke to our students and broke down complex ideas pertaining to the Museum was perfect. We were so fortunate to bring our students here. A MUST SEE in a beautiful part of Manhattan. So historical, so cool!”

The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation Exhibition

On View Wednesday–Sunday | Free with General Admission

Come experience this full-floor exhibition to journey through the nation’s founding ideas—tracing how they have evolved over time through rare defining documents and pivotal moments in history. As you explore the fascinating and unique exhibition, you will see how this promise—established in 1776—was never fully realized and remains an aspiration we continue to pursue today.

Throughout the gallery, you will encounter some of the nation’s most iconic 18^th century documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Alongside these are exceptional handwritten pages from an undelivered inaugural address by George Washington, as well as remarkable 19th and 20^th century treasures such as the Emancipation Proclamation and an advance copy of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “March on Washington” speech. In it, King describes the Declaration of Independence and Constitution as “a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.” Together, these extraordinary artifacts reveal how the pursuit of freedom has been redefined across generations.

Through rarely-seen documents and ephemera, you will discover pivotal moments that pushed the nation closer to equality—from the fight for religious freedom and the abolition of slavery to the movement for women’s suffrage. This exhibition offers the unique opportunity to experience the ongoing story of a nation shaped by words—where ideals have been tested, expanded, and reimagined over centuries.

About Griffin Catalyst

Griffin Catalyst is the civic engagement initiative of Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, encompassing his philanthropic and community impact efforts. Tackling the world’s greatest challenges in innovative, action-oriented, and evidence-driven ways, Griffin Catalyst is dedicated to expanding opportunity and improving lives across six areas of focus: Education, Science & Medicine, Upward Mobility, Freedom & Democracy, Enterprise & Innovation, and Communities. griffincatalyst.org

About the South Street Seaport Museum

The South Street Seaport Museum, located in the heart of the historic seaport district in New York City, preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city. Founded in 1967, the Museum houses an extensive collection of works of art and artifacts, a maritime reference library, exhibition galleries and education spaces, working 19th century print shops, and an active fleet of historic vessels that all work to tell the story of “Where New York Begins.” seaportmuseum.org

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