A unique collection of artifacts, including letters, family Bibles, and founding-era items, is now on display at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. This exhibition offers a new perspective on how Scripture influenced America’s founding era. It marks the nation’s 250th anniversary by showcasing original documents and historical objects.

The collection highlights the first Bible printed in English in America, family Bibles of founding fathers, and a letter by Thomas Jefferson on religious freedom. These documents demonstrate biblical language’s presence during the founding era, influencing discussions on liberty, education, and public life.

Anthony Schmidt, director of collections and curatorial at the museum, emphasized the significance of primary sources in understanding the Bible’s role in early American history. He explained that the documents show the Bible’s presence in political frameworks regarding human dignity and liberty.

One section of the exhibition focuses on the first Bible printed in English in America and family Bibles owned by founding fathers. These objects portray the Bible’s impact not only on religion but also on art, education, and politics in early America.

Another section explores the relationship between faith and government through Jefferson’s writings on religious liberty and early arguments for resisting tyranny. Visitors can also view Revolutionary-era materials that united the colonies, documents on early Jewish civic life, and portraits and busts of historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

Schmidt hopes the collection encourages visitors to engage with original historical documents. He noted that although founders often had differing religious views, many were influenced by the Bible’s language and concepts.

“We want visitors to encounter the history of this country and see, in the primary documents, what impact the Bible actually had on the people who built it,” Schmidt said.