History Now! Living History and Interpretation

1776: A Declaration of Rights Before a Declaration of Independence – For many people the story of the United States’ independence begins with the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776. It was, however, preceded – and influenced by – the Virginia Declaration of Rights, first written in May of 1776 and then ratified by Virginia in June. Not only are precepts and quotes from it found in the July Declaration, the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution is directly and heavily indebted to it. Using an Historic Character Performance of Virginia Patriot Patrick Henry as a lens, this program illustrates the importance and influence of the Virginia Declaration of Rights.