In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will lead the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations with a bold, immersive exhibition exploring the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness will span three floors and 300,000 square feet, featuring 250 significant objects, including the desk Jefferson used to draft the Declaration of Independence. Another noteworthy artifact is the only surviving ship of the early U.S. Navy, the gunboat Philadelphia . This National Historic Landmark helped stall British forces and now will undergo an on-site conservation to preserve it for future generations. Visitors and online audiences can engage with both the triumphs and challenges of America’s journey through a year-long series of dynamic programs, from hands-on activities and theatrical performances to educational tools and virtual field trips for classrooms across the country. The museum's Semiquincentennial exhibitions and events begin in the spring of 2026, welcoming all Americans to reflect on the enduring and sometimes delayed or denied promises that surround the ongoing pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.