With the 250th anniversary commemoration of the Declaration Independence (and the United States by extension) being celebrated throughout 2026, the University Libraries features several resources that trace the documentary history of the United States from pre-nation to the present day.
A special exhibit honoring the four major early documents that created the Republic along with the Declaration, the Articles of Confederation (1777), United States Constitution (1789), and the Bill of Rights (1791) are among the most important foundation charters that helped to shape American life during the eighteenth century. Along with these examples are countless other texts that have formed the written story of the nation. Additional landmark documents included within this display are copies of the Emancipation Proclamation (1863), 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1920), Social Security Act (1935), Brown v. Board of Education (1954), and the Civil Rights Act (1964).
Several other important records that have benefitted the United States of America over time have been collected by several different academic, governmental, public history, and other types of repositories including the Seton Hall University Libraries which preserve such significant information for the ages. The most prolific center of country-wide Milestone Documents are housed at the National Archives. Along with this Internet Site, a number of relevant print books that are shelved within this display located on the Second Floor of Walsh Library can be personally checked-out at the University Libraries Circulation Desk located on the same level as this exhibit.
Within the Seton Hall University Libraries Collection, there are various copies of these documents along with historical details found within our holdings catalog. This can be combined with other information-centered leads including our Introduction to U.S. History Research Guide which is available to our research community. In addition, we have specific volumes devoted to individual writings, but we also offer compilations and starter lists for your consideration found via our SHU Search, Book, and Database sites.
In addition, in honor of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution you can vote for your own favorite documents from History and/or Your Own Experience via the Ballot Box found within this display. We look forward to seeing what your choices are!
We welcome you to our information center in the near future, but in the meantime if you need detailed help through the University Libraries. You can book a research appointment here: Research Appointment Site