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The Declaration of Independence and Liberty, Then and Now: A Community Conversation

  • Minnesota Marine Art Museum 800 Riverview Drive Winona, MN, 55987 United States (map)

James Guy Evans, U.S. Ships-of-the-Line "Delaware" and "North Carolina" and Frigates "Brandywine" and "Constellation", (detail) ca. 1835-1860. Oil on canvas. The New York Historical, Gift of an Anonymous Donor, X.60


Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 11:30am - 1:30pm

Free | Registration Required (Limit 30) | Lunch included

Presented in partnership with:
Minnesota Humanities Center, Minnesota Historical Society, and Braver Angels of Minnesota 

 The Minnesota Humanities Center is partnering with the Minnesota Historical Society and Braver Angels of Minnesota to present a series of community conversations throughout the state in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This conversation series, titled “The Declaration of Independence and Liberty, Then and Now,” is meant to bring together Minnesotans together, to reflect upon the principles of the Declaration of Independence, the importance of these principles in our daily lives, what our shared values are as residents of the state of Minnesota and the United States, and how we envision the country will look looking 250 years into the future.  

 As MMAM's current exhibition The Coast and the Sea: Marine and Maritime Art in America, explores the ways waterways shaped American identity, commerce, conflict, and expansion, this community conversation invites visitors to reflect on the evolving ideals of liberty and nationhood that developed alongside that history. The Coast and the Sea: Marine and Maritime Art in America is on loan from and organized by The New York Historical, and is on view at MMAM through February 28, 2027.

MMAM is excited to host this conversation and invites and encourages participants to explore the exhibition before or after the program.  


Presented in partnership with:

Earlier Event: July 4
MMAM Closed
Later Event: July 11
Saturday Public Tour