American Revolution

The word happiness had multiple meanings at the time that Jefferson was writing the Declaration of Independence, and those different definitions also appear in Shakespeare, a writer whom Jefferson admired.

Shakespeare was familiar to George Washington and many other advocates for independence from Great Britain. They thought that he embodied the American spirit and adapted him to their uniquely American needs, in letters, speeches, and more.

On display: A letter from Abigail Adams and other extraordinary American items help celebrate the Fourth of July.

By the time the first battles of the American Revolution took place in 1775, Shakespeare had been imported from England on stage and page to the New World.

America’s Shakespeare: How George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams quoted Shakespeare during and after the American Revolution.