When the Declaration of Independence was News

  • June 14, 2026 2:00 PM

  • Historic Rock Ford

    881 Rockford Road
    Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
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Description

Historic Rock Ford's America250 Lecture Series presents "When the Declaration of Independence was News." Presenter Emily Sneff traces the journey of the Declaration of Independence through the United States and around the Atlantic in the summer and fall of 1776. Proclaiming independence to the world was messy, politically and materially. The Continental Congress declared independence, but the work of spreading that news involved printers, post riders, ship captains, civic leaders, soldiers, clerks, orators, preachers, diplomats, and translators.

This presentation will begin at 2 PM in the Langmuir Education Room located on the first floor of the Rock Ford Barn. Prior to the lecture, attendees may visit the Snyder Gallery and our 2026 Focus Exhibit. The Snyder Gallery closes at 4 PM. 

About the Presenter: Emily Sneff is a historian of early America and a leading expert on the Declaration of Independence. She received her Ph.D. in history from William & Mary. She is a consulting curator for museum exhibitions commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

 

 

Date & Time

Sun, Jun 14, 2026 2:00 PM

Venue Details

Historic Rock Ford

881 Rockford Road
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602 Historic Rock Ford
Rock Ford Foundation

Historic Rock Ford is comprised of the circa 1794 General Edward Hand Mansion and the John J. Snyder, Jr. Gallery of Early Lancaster County Decorative Arts. Our historic site is situated on 33 acres of gardens, woods and grounds surrounded by Lancaster County Central Park located in the southeast corner of Lancaster City.  This remarkable estate offers visitors the opportunity to encounter the outstanding original late-Georgian style architecture of the Hand Mansion, to experience its rooms furnished in exquisite period style while, in the Snyder Gallery, to explore a nationally recognized collection of Lancaster County decorative arts dating from circa 1760 to 1820 including furniture, portraiture, long rifles, tall case clocks, silver, and much more. 


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