Online Exhibits

Finding Freedom: Self-Emancipation in the Northern Neck

2026 marks the 250th year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! Menokin is home to Francis Lightfoot Lee, who was one of 56 signers of the Declaration. 

Signing the Declaration of Independence was an act of resistance where American colonists declared their independence from the British monarchy. This was a significant moment in American history from where a new nation was founded, but the Declaration initially did not include everyone in this promise for freedom. America’s history is varied, but throughout it, we’ve seen people and movements push through barriers and seek to create a more perfect union. That continues into today.

This online exhibit highlights Northern Neck stories of self-emancipation and revolutionary acts of protest— from Francis Lightfoot Lee’s contributions to moments of resistance by the NNK’s black and enslaved community— from the American Revolution and beyond.