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News Articles: Declaration of Independence

Librarian of Congress James Billington points to a correction in the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson, on July 2, 2010, at the Library of Congress in Washington. Imaging of the document confirmed that Jefferson originally wrote "subject" then changed it to "citizen."

An NPR Tradition, Here's The Reading Of The Declaration Of Independence

Over the past 32 years, Morning Edition has broadcast a reading of the Declaration of Independence by NPR staff as a way of marking Independence Day. This year, we also offer some historical context.

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  • GPB Newsroom
Shannon LaNier poses at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. in 2012. LaNier is a descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings.

Thomas Jefferson Descendant Reflects On His Ancestor's Memorial And Legacy

Shannon LaNier is the sixth great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. He talks to NPR about the founding father's complicated history, and how that should be reflected in his memorial.

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  • Steve Inskeep
Author Jill Lepore's new book is entitled "These Truths: A History of the United States."

Historian Jill Lepore Explores 'These Truths' Of United States History

Harvard American history professor Jill Lepore set out to explore ideas of political equality, natural rights and the sovereignty of the people in her...

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