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Exhibition

We The People

America's Fight for Freedom and Beyond

Wed 1 Apr – Sun 13 Sep 2026

Weston Gallery

Free

Opening times

Tuesday-Sunday, 12noon-4pm

The United States of America was founded upon an idea of freedom. As a place of refuge from religious persecution and the birthplace of a new political system, the American colonists who rebelled against British rule saw themselves as the founders of a new nation.

Drawing on a wide range of manuscripts and printed collections, this exhibition commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. It explores the issues at stake in the Wars of Independence and considers some of the complex problems which faced the United States as it fought to win, and realise, its new-found freedom.

This exhibition has been jointly curated by Dr Richard Gaunt and Manuscripts and Special Collections, University of Nottingham.

Top image: ‘The American Congress’ from A General History of England by John Hampden (1784). University of Nottingham Special Collection. Over.X DA30 .H2

 

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A group of people stand and chat in a museum/gallery space.
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We The People: Gallery Tours

Wed 20 May – Wed 8 Jul 2026

Join a walk-through of the manuscripts exhibition and learn about the stories behind the items on display.

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The Indigenous North American Collection at Nottingham City Museums and Galleries

Wed 20 May 2026

Join Ann Inscker, Dr Stephanie Lewthwaite and Professor Vivien Miller to discuss the Indigenous North American Collection.

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“A revolution not a rebellion”

Wed 10 Jun 2026

Join Dr Robin Eagles as he discusses key debates held in the Houses of Parliament during 1775.

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'The American Congress' from A General History of England by John Hampden (1784) University of Nottingham Special Collection.
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From Settlers to Tourists: Coming to America

Wed 8 Jul 2026

Dr Richard Gaunt explores post-independence British tourism to America, revealing the evolving relationship between two nations.

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Little Women (U)

Tue 4 Aug 2026

Dr Richard Gaunt introduces a star-studded screening of Little Women (2019), a classic Civil War-era masterpiece.

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