Delving Deeper into the Declaration of Independence: A Guided Reading with Thavolia Glymph and Exploring the Use of Iron Gall Ink

Get up close with one of the nation’s most influential documents — the Declaration of Independence — and explore its meaning, history, and craftsmanship.

Join historian Thavolia Glymph, Peabody Family Distinguished Professor of History at Duke University and instructor of “America at 250: Founding and Forging a Democracy,” for a guided critical reading of the Declaration. Through discussion and analysis, participants will examine the document’s language, ideas, and historical context.

Following the reading, discover how iron gall ink — the ink used to sign the Declaration — was made from natural vegetal and mineral ingredients during a live demonstration. To conclude the evening, participants will have the opportunity to sign their own copy of the Declaration of Independence using iron gall ink, recreating the experience of the signers on August 2, 1776.

RSVP to participate in this program. Registration for this workshop will open on Friday, October 23 at 9 a.m.

Make reservations at the Nasher Café ahead of time to enjoy dinner before or after the program!

This event is part of We the People: A Duke & Durham Initiative.