On Tuesday, June 30, State Representative, Kathy LaNatra, presented a special reproduction of the Declaration of Independence to Plympton town administrators. Revolution 250, an organization established in 2016, is an independent 501c3 and the leader of a consortium of not-for-profit, for-profit, corporate partners, and individuals. Revolution 250 explores the history of the American Revolution and how its impact continues to affect modern day America. Culminating in 2026, 250 years since the American colonies declared independence from the British Empire, Revolution 250 pulls together residents, visitors, planners, educators, artists, students, the business community, and politicians to recognize the importance of American culture and values.
Executive Director Jonathan Lane announced that the final hand-printed copies of the Declaration of Independence had been delivered to the Massachusetts State House for distribution as part of their capstone America 250 project, “Declaration Delivery Day.” On June 29, Revolution 250 handed off the last copies of the Declaration to state legislators, who distributed the documents to the communities they represent.
As part of the Declaration Delivery Day project, the newly printed reproductions are to be distributed to all 351 Massachusetts towns and cities by July 4 -echoing the original journey of the Declaration as copies were sent to towns throughout the Commonwealth 250 years ago.
Historian and printer Gary Gregory, was hired by Revolution 250 to print hundreds of copies of the Declaration at the Museum of Printing in Haverhill, using 18th-century techniques to recreate a labor-intensive process similar to that used in 1776. Dozens of copies have been delivered throughout the state, and these deliveries will continue until the end of the week until all 351 have been delivered. For Revolution 250, the ambitious project is the final culmination of 10 years of planning, educating, content creating, collaborating and celebrating America 250.
Revolution 250 has hosted dozens of events and partnered with historians, historical organizations and state and federal officials to commemorate events significant to the American Revolution. “Passing off our final copies of the Declaration at the State House was one of Revolution 250’s proudest moments,” said Executive Director Jonathan Lane. “Declaration Delivery Day is one of Revolution 250’s final and most impactful commemorative events for the nation’s semi-quincentennial anniversary, and it has been an honor to pay homage to American history in this way. This project has been a massive undertaking and collaborative effort between multiple groups, and we are extremely grateful to all who have assisted us, including Secretary William Galvin. We wish to thank everyone who has supported Declaration Delivery Day and helped bring history to every community in Massachusetts.”