The $30 million toe in the water

The Museum of the American Revolution has acquired a rare Dunlap broadside of the Declaration of Independence, mailed by Jewish patriot Jonas Phillips in 1776 and intercepted by the British, for a special exhibition.

The broadside, one of only 26 surviving copies of the approximately 200 original Dunlap broadsides printed on the night of July 4, 1776, is on special loan from the UK National Archives.

According to Emily Sneff, guest curator of the exhibition, the broadside's journey back to Philadelphia began when she was researching her book on how news of the Declaration spread in 1776.

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The broadside was mailed by Phillips to his cousin and business partner Gumpel Samson in Amsterdam,but it never reached its destination.

Instead, it was intercepted by the British and stashed away in their archives, a piece of history forgotten for nearly two and a half centuries.

Phillips was a key figure in securing rights for Jewish people in Philadelphia, and his advocacy for religious freedom is still remembered today.

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The story of Phillips' intercepted letter reveals the global networks through which news spread and the risks taken by those who championed independence.

It also highlights the role of Jewish patriots in the American Revolution, a chapter often overlooked.

The nation approaches its 250th anniversary, and this document offers a tangible connection to the diverse voices that shaped the birth of the United States.

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The UK National Archives has loaned the broadside to the Museum of the American Revolution, where it is displayed in the exhibition 'The Declaration's Journey' running through Jan. 3,2027.

The exhibition not only showcases the broadside but also tells the story of how the Declaration's msesage traveled,from hand to hand, across oceans and centuries, finally returning to the city where it all began.

The Museum of the American Revolution's exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in American history and the role of Jewish patriots in the American Revolution.

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The Museum of the American Revolution has acquired a rare piece of American history, and it is now on display for the public to see.

The exhibition is a testament to the power of history and the importance of preserving our collective past.

The story of Jonas Phillips and the intercepted broadside is a reminder that even the smallest actions can have a lasting impact on the course of history.

Broader context

The story of the intercepted broadside is part of a larger trend of American history being reevaluated and reinterpreted in light of new discoveries and perspectives.

The exhibition at the Museum of the American Revolution is a prime example of this trend, and it offers a unique glimpse into the past.

The story of Jonas Phillips and the intercepted broadside is also part of a broader narrative about the role of Jewish people in the American Revolution.

Open questions

One of the most interesting aspects of the story is the role of the British in intercepting the broadside and stashing it away in their archives .

It is unclear why the British chose to intercept the broadside and what their motivations were.

Another open question is the extent to which the story of the intercepted broadside will change our understanding of the American Revolution and the role of Jewish people in it.

The exhibition at the Museum of the American Revolution offers a unique opportunity to explore these questions and more.