In the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the Founding Fathers set out to define American freedom. But they didn’t have the last word. Since then, generations have built on and challenged this foundation.

Experience four ways Americans have defined freedom for themselves: defending it through armed conflict, struggling with it in respect to race and citizenship, speaking out for it by public protest, and uniting for it on workers’ rights. Explore eight stories within these themes, discuss freedom questions with historians, and create your own freedom collection.

• Visit the Facing Freedom in America website.
• The Facing Freedom in America exhibition is also available for on-site self-guided visits and our “Walk into the Past” gallery activity (PDF) can support your visit.