September 5, 2025, Press Release from the Auglaize County Historical Society:
ST. MARYS, Ohio - The historical societies of Auglaize County will host the presentation "The Two Declarations: The Declaration in 1776 and the Declaration through Time" with Dr. Thomas T. Taylor on Wednesday, September 10, 7 pm, at the St. Marys Community Public Library, Chestnut Street. The event is free and open to the public and is presented in conjunction with America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.
The inaugural activities for the local commemoration of America’s 250th also include the September appearance of the new Gilder Lehrman Institute traveling exhibit “Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy.” Around the world, other countries have declared independence taking the US Declaration of 1776 as a model. This exhibition uses primary sources to illustrate how Americans and people across the world have been inspired by the Declaration in their pursuit of equality and self-determination. The St. Marys library will host the exhibit upon its arrival (anticipated for September 8) through September 13.
Thomas T. Taylor is the H. O. Hirt Professor of History at Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio. He has taught early American history at Wittenberg since 1988. Taylor is also past president of the Clark County Historical Society, a member of the Ohio Academy of History, and First Lutheran Church of Springfield. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Clark County Historical Society.
About Gilder Lehrman
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. Based in New York City, the Institute is the leading nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.
