Much more than fireworks displays and family gatherings, the Fourth of July represents America’s declared independence from Britain and the birth of democracy. Visitors can view one of only 25 surviving copies of the Declaration printed on the night of July 4, 1776, at the University of Virginia Library’s permanent exhibit, “Declaring Independence: Creating and Recreating America’s Document,” which will be open to the public on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission and guided tours throughout the day. The exhibit is located on the lower floor of the U.Va. Library’s newest facility, the Mary and David Harrison Institute for American History, Literature and Culture, and the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library. Full story.

U.Va. News Services

As Semester at Sea, the world’s first and oldest shipboard education program, set sail for a 65-day Asia/Pacific voyage on June 17, it was apparent that there was a new academic partner aboard. A U.Va. orange stripe on the MV Explorer’s (above) blue hull; University of Virginia signs placed throughout the interior academic spaces; an all orange-and-blue display in the bookstore; and the posting of U.Va.’s honor pledge in each of the nine classrooms all signified a new partnership between the Institute for Shipboard Education — Semester at Sea’s parent organization — and the University. Semester at Sea offers students a unique way to explore the globe, especially those who might not otherwise have the confidence to travel on their own to foreign cultures, according to Leigh B. Grossman, U.Va.’s vice provost for international affairs, who has overseen this joint academic partnership since its inception. Full story.

Inside UVA