An ongoing exhibition highlighting the Albert H. Small Declaration of Independence Collection—the most comprehensive collection of letters, documents, and early printings of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition sheds light on not only the writing and signing of the Declaration, but also on its first printing, distribution across the colonies, and future impact on American history. 

The Declaring Independence exhibition is located on the first floor of the Harrison/Small building, just outside the Small Special Collections Library reading room. View the Harrison/Small building/exhibition hours, find directions to Harrison/Small, and view a guide to visiting the Small Special Collections Library, where you can learn about our reading room and collections, register, and request materials. 

About the Donor

Albert H. Small, a native of Washington, D.C., graduated from the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science in 1946. He spent his career in construction and real estate development and is the president of Southern Engineering Corporation. In the 1950s, Mr. Small began collecting rare books and manuscripts, developing a special interest in pieces relating to Thomas Jefferson, the University, and American history. He presented his extraordinary Declaration of Independence Collection to the University of Virginia beginning in 1999. Longtime supporters of the University and the Library, Mr. and Mrs. Small made a substantial gift toward the construction of the new Special Collections library to insure the continued preservation and accessibility of the University's treasured rare book and manuscript collections.