Celebrations of major historic events tend to bring up familiar stories. In them, heroes, villains, winners, and losers are clearly defined. Historians understand that the truth is often messier than the tales we tell. As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Telfair Museums will feature works from the permanent collection that reveal the complications of living in revolutionary times, especially in Savannah. Portraits from the 18th century put faces to the challenges of this period. While colonial politicians and businessmen were at odds with families, friends, and partners, women made difficult decisions to protect themselves. Meanwhile, people of African and Indigenous descent were left out of critical conversations yet pulled into violent clashes. Additionally, the exhibition will include works from earlier milestones in the 19th and 20th centuries. These examples show how Americans have previously wrestled with the stories of their country’s foundation and questions about its future.