Dr. Emily Sneff, a leading expert on the history of the Declaration of Independence, will share some of the stories behind the first printings of the founding document of the United States.
Hosted by: Kislak Center
Dr. Emily Sneff, a leading expert on the history of the Declaration of Independence, will share some of the stories behind the first printings of the founding document of the United States. From spelling errors and typesetting challenges to copies of the Declaration that ended up in unexpected hands, this presentation will explore the process of declaring independence. It will connect the first printings to the core themes and material focus of the Common Press's America 250 programming, The Typography of Independence.
Emily Sneff, Ph.D., is an early American historian. She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in History from William & Mary. She was the Cincinnati Barra Dissertation Fellow at the McNeil Center for Early American Studies in 2022–23. Her forthcoming book, When the Declaration of Independence Was News (Oxford University Press, spring 2026) explores the dissemination of the Declaration around the Atlantic in 1776. Dr. Sneff is a consulting curator for exhibitions marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and she has shared her expertise through virtual workshops, public presentations, podcast interviews, and partnerships with state and local 2026 planning organizations.
The University of Pennsylvania, located in the heart of the city, was at the center of the dramatic events of 1776 and the Revolution that followed. 250 years later, partners across the university are exploring how history can help us better understand the present and create a sustainable and inclusive future.