Red, white and true?

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress, proclaiming that the thirteen American colonies were now united, free, and independent states.

 

Since our founding almost 179 years ago, the Smithsonian has proudly served the United States as a place to learn about our past, explore our present, and shape our future—and there are thousands of objects in the Smithsonian collections that help tell the story of America’s independence!

Learn more about these stories of freedom and put your knowledge to the test by taking our Independence Day quiz!