There’s something glorious about putting a physical pen to paper: no emojis to express your feelings, no confusing abbreviations, and no impersonal internet barrier between you and your thoughts. Writing in its simplest and purest form can be cathartic, expressive, and creative. 

To celebrate National Handwriting Day, founded in conjunction with John Hancock's birthday, and in honor of his large, elegant signature—he was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence—we're presenting a roundup of famous autographs found in our Digital Collections. Now, start writing!

1. Josephine Baker

2. President Hoover

3. Elizabeth I

4. Walt Whitman
 

5. August Rodin
 

6. Frederick Douglass
 

7. Rudolph Valentino