Clarke Historical Library

250 years ago, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The values expressed in the document still resonate with people around the world two-and-a-half centuries later:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

Happy Independence Day!

Photo of the Clarke's exhibit, "From the Consent of the Governed: Michigan and the Values of the Declaration of Independence." Visit the Clarke 9 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday to see the exhibit.

The opening two sentences of the Declaration of Independence contain five core values that have driven over 250 years of progress in our collective effort to form a more perfect union:

• People are all equal.
• People have a right to life.
• People have a right to liberty.
• People have a right to pursue happiness.
• The power of the government is derived from the consent of the governed.

The Clarke is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by showcasing the people and events in Michigan that embody the values in the Declaration.

The documents shown here, from the Saginaw chapter of the League of Women Voters, document the statewide League's efforts to mobilize young women at colleges and empower them to assert their rights to vote.

See these doucments in the Central Michigan University Libraries hallway showcase. And check out the "From the Consent of the Governed" exhibit in the Clarke's exhibit galleries, commemorating the of the United States.

The World Cup starts today, and Isaac Fancher is fired up!

Although none of the players in this year’s tournament are from the Mitten State, Michigan is the birthplace of three previous World Cup players: Cobi Jones (Detroit; 1994, 1998, 2002), Alexi Lalas (Birmingham; 1994, 1998), and Brian Maisonneuve (Warren; 1998).

Tell us in the comments—who are you rooting for?