THE PEN IS MIGHTIER: WRITING A REVOLUTION

Open daily: Monday - Thursday 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Friday - Sunday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The Pen is Mightier: Writing a Revolution is now on display on the 4th floor of the Utah State Capitol through December 2026. The exhibit explores how Revolutionary-era leaders harnessed tools such as printing presses and secret codes to inspire action and ignite lasting change.

The exhibition features a range of archival objects, including an original copy of “Common Sense” on loan from the University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library. Published by Thomas Paine in January 1776, the pamphlet helped rally colonists and is believed to have influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

Abigail Adams was among the early leaders of the Revolutionary-era and is highlighted with other founders. Adam's letters, counsel, and political influence with John Adams make her one of our country's first influencers.

The exhibition illustrates the risks early leaders took to safeguard democratic ideals and underscores how both bold expression and quiet secrecy were essential to shaping the nation’s founding. While some ideas of democracy were shared publicly, others had to be carefully protected.