Lindenwood University Library Services brought students, faculty, and staff together for a campus-wide project commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding documents. The project featured a documentary-style reading of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. In total, 63 readers participated, including 12 students.

“What began as a simple idea to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary grew into a collaborative campus project inviting our community to engage with these historic texts in new and meaningful ways,” Director of Library Services Liz MacDonald said. “We hoped to inspire thoughtful conversation and reflection, and the enthusiasm and participation we witnessed made the project a wonderful experience for all involved.”

The project was presented in a public screening and panel discussion at Lindenwood’s Library and Academic Resources Center. The discussion included history and political science faculty to give attendees an opportunity to reflect on the documents’ historical significance.

Library Services developed the project around the principles of reading the documents as written, examining the sources in context, and inviting civil discourse. For Assistant Director of Access Services Joanna DeYoung, the project has grown far beyond its initial goal. “Our original motivation was to mark the milestone anniversary the Declaration of Independence was having this year,” DeYoung said. “Since screening our film, we’ve had faculty propose it become part of our annual observation of Constitution Day on September 17, and we’ve presented on the project at the MOBIUS annual conference.”

DeYoung believes the positive reception to the screenings reflects collaboration across the University community. “Being able to be a part of an outcome that furthers civil discourse and reflects on so many people coming together to contribute to this project that they were overwhelmingly excited to participate in,” DeYoung said. The widespread participation continued beyond the video’s production through classroom discussion and analysis. The project succeeded in turning the national milestone into a shared academic experience that resonates across campus.

Lindenwood University Reads: America’s Founding Documents is available to view with captions on Library Services’ YouTube channel.