Emily Sneff
@emilysneff.bsky.social
Historian of the Declaration of Independence
Curator of Digital Content @declarationstories.bsky.social
Curator of Digital Content @declarationstories.bsky.social
Pinned
Pre-order When the Declaration of Independence Was News!
Order through the Oxford University Press website and get 30% off ($20.99 + shipping) with code AAFLYG6 global.oup.com/academic/pro...
No book about the Declaration is complete without a signature! Go to emilysneff.com/signing to learn more
Order through the Oxford University Press website and get 30% off ($20.99 + shipping) with code AAFLYG6 global.oup.com/academic/pro...
No book about the Declaration is complete without a signature! Go to emilysneff.com/signing to learn more
Pre-order When the Declaration of Independence Was News!
Order through the Oxford University Press website and get 30% off ($20.99 + shipping) with code AAFLYG6 global.oup.com/academic/pro...
No book about the Declaration is complete without a signature! Go to emilysneff.com/signing to learn more
Order through the Oxford University Press website and get 30% off ($20.99 + shipping) with code AAFLYG6 global.oup.com/academic/pro...
No book about the Declaration is complete without a signature! Go to emilysneff.com/signing to learn more
January 15, 2026 at 12:35 AM
Pre-order When the Declaration of Independence Was News!
Order through the Oxford University Press website and get 30% off ($20.99 + shipping) with code AAFLYG6 global.oup.com/academic/pro...
No book about the Declaration is complete without a signature! Go to emilysneff.com/signing to learn more
Order through the Oxford University Press website and get 30% off ($20.99 + shipping) with code AAFLYG6 global.oup.com/academic/pro...
No book about the Declaration is complete without a signature! Go to emilysneff.com/signing to learn more
Kicking off 2026 with the 250th of Common Sense, written and first printed—like the Declaration of Independence—in Philadelphia
Popped by the site of Robert Bell’s office this morning
Popped by the site of Robert Bell’s office this morning
January 9, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Kicking off 2026 with the 250th of Common Sense, written and first printed—like the Declaration of Independence—in Philadelphia
Popped by the site of Robert Bell’s office this morning
Popped by the site of Robert Bell’s office this morning
"This Day was/is Published" drives me *nuts*
The first great American 250th anniversary date of the year arrives this Friday: the publication of Thomas Paine's COMMON SENSE, which occurred on January 9, 1776.
Many sources have the date as January 10, 1776. This is incorrect. But what accounts for the confusion???? Friends, follow me.
Many sources have the date as January 10, 1776. This is incorrect. But what accounts for the confusion???? Friends, follow me.
January 6, 2026 at 1:07 AM
"This Day was/is Published" drives me *nuts*
For those who are thinking about what it's like to live through historical events...
Don't miss the CFP for the Experiencing Independence conference, focused on firsthand accounts and diverse perspectives from the American Revolution. Proposals due Friday!
www.mceas.org/news/2025/11...
Don't miss the CFP for the Experiencing Independence conference, focused on firsthand accounts and diverse perspectives from the American Revolution. Proposals due Friday!
www.mceas.org/news/2025/11...
Experiencing Independence: Eyewitness Accounts of the American Revolution Conference
Call for Proposals Submission deadline: Jan 9, 2026; Conference Oct 2-3, 2026
www.mceas.org
January 5, 2026 at 3:48 PM
For those who are thinking about what it's like to live through historical events...
Don't miss the CFP for the Experiencing Independence conference, focused on firsthand accounts and diverse perspectives from the American Revolution. Proposals due Friday!
www.mceas.org/news/2025/11...
Don't miss the CFP for the Experiencing Independence conference, focused on firsthand accounts and diverse perspectives from the American Revolution. Proposals due Friday!
www.mceas.org/news/2025/11...
Setting my sights on the semiquincentennial! 👓
2026 is going to be a big year with my new book, multiple articles, museum exhibitions, and a whole lot of talking about the Declaration of Independence 😮💨
2026 is going to be a big year with my new book, multiple articles, museum exhibitions, and a whole lot of talking about the Declaration of Independence 😮💨
December 31, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Setting my sights on the semiquincentennial! 👓
2026 is going to be a big year with my new book, multiple articles, museum exhibitions, and a whole lot of talking about the Declaration of Independence 😮💨
2026 is going to be a big year with my new book, multiple articles, museum exhibitions, and a whole lot of talking about the Declaration of Independence 😮💨
I met one of my dearest friends when she asked to be my lab partner in a chem class neither of us wanted to be in
In honor of me being mad on the internet, and also needing to feel like other people share my values:
Tell me about the class you didn't want to take in college that ended up bending your mind or being otherwise "useful" in your development as a person
Tell me about the class you didn't want to take in college that ended up bending your mind or being otherwise "useful" in your development as a person
December 19, 2025 at 1:31 AM
I met one of my dearest friends when she asked to be my lab partner in a chem class neither of us wanted to be in
December 15: the anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, signed by Frederick Muhlenberg as Speaker of the House of Representatives
In 2026, Muhlenberg’s home will open to the public in Trappe, PA, after being saved from demolition and thoughtfully restored over the last 25 years
In 2026, Muhlenberg’s home will open to the public in Trappe, PA, after being saved from demolition and thoughtfully restored over the last 25 years
December 16, 2025 at 12:18 AM
December 15: the anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, signed by Frederick Muhlenberg as Speaker of the House of Representatives
In 2026, Muhlenberg’s home will open to the public in Trappe, PA, after being saved from demolition and thoughtfully restored over the last 25 years
In 2026, Muhlenberg’s home will open to the public in Trappe, PA, after being saved from demolition and thoughtfully restored over the last 25 years
The Virtual Workshops for the 250th are this Saturday, December 13! Please help spread the word to anyone who is prepping for the Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Registration is $30 (free for NPS employees). declarationstories.org/workshops
Virtual Workshops for the 250th — Declaration Stories
Join Dr. Emily Sneff to learn the history of the Declaration of Independence before the 250th anniversary in 2026
declarationstories.org
December 8, 2025 at 9:59 PM
The Virtual Workshops for the 250th are this Saturday, December 13! Please help spread the word to anyone who is prepping for the Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Registration is $30 (free for NPS employees). declarationstories.org/workshops
The historiography of the Declaration of Independence is absolutely dominated by men
Which is why it is particularly cool that my book will be the first to be both written *and* blurbed by all female historians
#womenalsoknowhistory
Which is why it is particularly cool that my book will be the first to be both written *and* blurbed by all female historians
#womenalsoknowhistory
a little girl is laughing with her fist in the air while wearing a vest and tie .
ALT: a little girl is laughing with her fist in the air while wearing a vest and tie .
media.tenor.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The historiography of the Declaration of Independence is absolutely dominated by men
Which is why it is particularly cool that my book will be the first to be both written *and* blurbed by all female historians
#womenalsoknowhistory
Which is why it is particularly cool that my book will be the first to be both written *and* blurbed by all female historians
#womenalsoknowhistory
Now is a good time to subscribe to the Declaration Stories weekly newsletter, if you haven't already!
This week's story is about a missing word in the Declaration of Independence 😱
If you aren't subscribed to Declaration Stories, you can get weekly stories behind the founding document of the United States in your inbox every Wednesday leading up to the 250th
👉 declarationstories.org/subscribe
If you aren't subscribed to Declaration Stories, you can get weekly stories behind the founding document of the United States in your inbox every Wednesday leading up to the 250th
👉 declarationstories.org/subscribe
Subscribe — Declaration Stories
declarationstories.org
December 2, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Now is a good time to subscribe to the Declaration Stories weekly newsletter, if you haven't already!
If a certain new book about the Declaration of Independence is 80 pages and $20, then my book is a STEAL at almost 200 pages longer and $29, right? 🤔
November 21, 2025 at 4:40 PM
If a certain new book about the Declaration of Independence is 80 pages and $20, then my book is a STEAL at almost 200 pages longer and $29, right? 🤔
Authors! I am genuinely excited to create the index for my book but I am also a) very busy and b) getting over a nasty cold. Send me your indexing tips that don't involve getting someone else to do it or relying on AI!
November 18, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Authors! I am genuinely excited to create the index for my book but I am also a) very busy and b) getting over a nasty cold. Send me your indexing tips that don't involve getting someone else to do it or relying on AI!
Reposted by Emily Sneff
November 7 marks the 250th anniversary of Dunmore's proclamation. Learn about the connection between Dunmore's promise of freedom from slavery and the Declaration of Independence, found in the pages of Dixon and Hunter's Virginia Gazette.
🔗: declarationstories.org/stories/dunmores-cruel-declaration
🔗: declarationstories.org/stories/dunmores-cruel-declaration
November 5, 2025 at 3:29 PM
November 7 marks the 250th anniversary of Dunmore's proclamation. Learn about the connection between Dunmore's promise of freedom from slavery and the Declaration of Independence, found in the pages of Dixon and Hunter's Virginia Gazette.
🔗: declarationstories.org/stories/dunmores-cruel-declaration
🔗: declarationstories.org/stories/dunmores-cruel-declaration
Reposted by Emily Sneff
Are you subscribed to Declaration Stories?
Weekly stories behind different copies of the Declaration of Independence continue on Wednesdays and daily emails with News from 1776 begin January 1!
👉 declarationstories.org/subscribe
Weekly stories behind different copies of the Declaration of Independence continue on Wednesdays and daily emails with News from 1776 begin January 1!
👉 declarationstories.org/subscribe
Subscribe — Declaration Stories
www.declarationstories.org
November 4, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Are you subscribed to Declaration Stories?
Weekly stories behind different copies of the Declaration of Independence continue on Wednesdays and daily emails with News from 1776 begin January 1!
👉 declarationstories.org/subscribe
Weekly stories behind different copies of the Declaration of Independence continue on Wednesdays and daily emails with News from 1776 begin January 1!
👉 declarationstories.org/subscribe
Reposted by Emily Sneff
This week's story is brought to you by the letter "C" for Collaboration!
After the war fractured his partnership with Benjamin Edes, John Gill worked alongside Powars and Willis to create a broadside of the Declaration of Independence in Boston.
declarationstories.org/stories/american-broadside
After the war fractured his partnership with Benjamin Edes, John Gill worked alongside Powars and Willis to create a broadside of the Declaration of Independence in Boston.
declarationstories.org/stories/american-broadside
October 29, 2025 at 12:44 PM
This week's story is brought to you by the letter "C" for Collaboration!
After the war fractured his partnership with Benjamin Edes, John Gill worked alongside Powars and Willis to create a broadside of the Declaration of Independence in Boston.
declarationstories.org/stories/american-broadside
After the war fractured his partnership with Benjamin Edes, John Gill worked alongside Powars and Willis to create a broadside of the Declaration of Independence in Boston.
declarationstories.org/stories/american-broadside
Reposted by Emily Sneff
July 4, 2026—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—is 250 days away! Are you ready? Follow @declarationstories.bsky.social for weekly glimpses into the early history of the founding document of the United States
October 27, 2025 at 1:35 PM
July 4, 2026—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—is 250 days away! Are you ready? Follow @declarationstories.bsky.social for weekly glimpses into the early history of the founding document of the United States
Reposted by Emily Sneff
In 1776, New England became Independent! In the title of a Boston newspaper, at least.
This week's story is about the New-England Chronicle at @bpl.boston.gov and the men who took it over shortly before the Declaration of Independence.
declarationstories.org/stories/new-england-becomes-independent
This week's story is about the New-England Chronicle at @bpl.boston.gov and the men who took it over shortly before the Declaration of Independence.
declarationstories.org/stories/new-england-becomes-independent
October 22, 2025 at 4:22 PM
In 1776, New England became Independent! In the title of a Boston newspaper, at least.
This week's story is about the New-England Chronicle at @bpl.boston.gov and the men who took it over shortly before the Declaration of Independence.
declarationstories.org/stories/new-england-becomes-independent
This week's story is about the New-England Chronicle at @bpl.boston.gov and the men who took it over shortly before the Declaration of Independence.
declarationstories.org/stories/new-england-becomes-independent
Appreciate this generous perspective on The Declaration's Journey at @amrevmuseum.bsky.social from Mark Segal. At the opening last night, he told me that he was so proud as a Philadelphian and could not imagine a Declaration of Independence exhibition ever topping this one epgn.com/2025/10/14/o...
Our history: Not erased but embraced - Philadelphia Gay News
Because as our country celebrates its independence, Philadelphia stands as a living reminder that true freedom means every voice — including ours — belongs in the American story.
epgn.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Appreciate this generous perspective on The Declaration's Journey at @amrevmuseum.bsky.social from Mark Segal. At the opening last night, he told me that he was so proud as a Philadelphian and could not imagine a Declaration of Independence exhibition ever topping this one epgn.com/2025/10/14/o...
Had so much fun recording this episode with @katyghistory.bsky.social and @jeanettepatrick.bsky.social that I had to bring it to @declarationstories.bsky.social!
Much more to come about Polly Palmer in When the Declaration of Independence Was News--coming in exactly 6 months 😱
Much more to come about Polly Palmer in When the Declaration of Independence Was News--coming in exactly 6 months 😱
How do you tell the story of a copy of the Declaration of Independence that doesn't exist anymore? This week's newsletter focuses on Polly Palmer, with help from the @rrchnm.bsky.social podcast Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant
declarationstories.org/stories/miss-polly-or-myra
declarationstories.org/stories/miss-polly-or-myra
Miss Polly or Myra — Declaration Stories
Copies of the Declaration that no longer survive still have stories to tell
declarationstories.org
October 15, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Had so much fun recording this episode with @katyghistory.bsky.social and @jeanettepatrick.bsky.social that I had to bring it to @declarationstories.bsky.social!
Much more to come about Polly Palmer in When the Declaration of Independence Was News--coming in exactly 6 months 😱
Much more to come about Polly Palmer in When the Declaration of Independence Was News--coming in exactly 6 months 😱
Had a fun conversation this morning with Bob Allison and @revolution250.bsky.social about all things Declaration—from @declarationstories.bsky.social to the book to The Declaration’s Journey (opening this weekend at @amrevmuseum.bsky.social!)
www.buzzsprout.com/1336051/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/1336051/epis...
"When the Declaration of Independence was News" with Emily Sneff - Revolution 250 Podcast
Emily Sneff, author of When the Declaration of Independence Was News explores how the Declaration spread across the colonies and the wider world—not as a sacred founding text, but as breaking news.&nb...
www.buzzsprout.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Had a fun conversation this morning with Bob Allison and @revolution250.bsky.social about all things Declaration—from @declarationstories.bsky.social to the book to The Declaration’s Journey (opening this weekend at @amrevmuseum.bsky.social!)
www.buzzsprout.com/1336051/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/1336051/epis...
In the OUP Spring–Summer 2026 catalogue:
When the Declaration of Independence Was News! 😍
When the Declaration of Independence Was News! 😍
October 13, 2025 at 1:54 PM
In the OUP Spring–Summer 2026 catalogue:
When the Declaration of Independence Was News! 😍
When the Declaration of Independence Was News! 😍
Reposted by Emily Sneff
What's in the Declaration? How do you plan an event around a public reading? What has July 4 looked like over the past 250 years? These ?s and more will be answered during the Virtual Workshops for the 250th!
November 15, 2025 -- three workshops on Zoom in one day
declarationstories.org/workshops
November 15, 2025 -- three workshops on Zoom in one day
declarationstories.org/workshops
Virtual Workshops for the 250th — Declaration Stories
Join Dr. Emily Sneff to learn the history of the Declaration of Independence before the 250th anniversary in 2026
declarationstories.org
October 10, 2025 at 5:29 PM
What's in the Declaration? How do you plan an event around a public reading? What has July 4 looked like over the past 250 years? These ?s and more will be answered during the Virtual Workshops for the 250th!
November 15, 2025 -- three workshops on Zoom in one day
declarationstories.org/workshops
November 15, 2025 -- three workshops on Zoom in one day
declarationstories.org/workshops
Reposted by Emily Sneff
In this week's Declaration Stories, @emilysneff.bsky.social explores the work of Benjamin Towne, whose Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first English-language newspaper to print the Declaration in July 1776. www.declarationstories.org/stories/earl...
Early Intelligence — Declaration Stories
On July 6, Benjamin Towne had the Declaration of Independence before any other newspaper printers were able to share the text with their readers
www.declarationstories.org
October 8, 2025 at 11:15 AM
In this week's Declaration Stories, @emilysneff.bsky.social explores the work of Benjamin Towne, whose Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first English-language newspaper to print the Declaration in July 1776. www.declarationstories.org/stories/earl...
Fit check for Revolutionary Germantown x Red October
October 4, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Fit check for Revolutionary Germantown x Red October
Reposted by Emily Sneff
Did people in London really buy John Hancock's portrait "merely for the sake of hanging him up"? 😳
Learn about @jcblibrary.bsky.social's broadside of the Declaration of Independence in this week's story: declarationstories.org/stories/hanging-up-hancock
Learn about @jcblibrary.bsky.social's broadside of the Declaration of Independence in this week's story: declarationstories.org/stories/hanging-up-hancock
Hanging Up Hancock — Declaration Stories
The people who purchased the British broadsides of the Declaration were probably more interested in celebrating Hancock than hanging him
declarationstories.org
October 1, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Did people in London really buy John Hancock's portrait "merely for the sake of hanging him up"? 😳
Learn about @jcblibrary.bsky.social's broadside of the Declaration of Independence in this week's story: declarationstories.org/stories/hanging-up-hancock
Learn about @jcblibrary.bsky.social's broadside of the Declaration of Independence in this week's story: declarationstories.org/stories/hanging-up-hancock