NEW: RI Historical Society to Host Rare, Original Copy of Declaration of Independence
Monday, April 04, 2011
We hold this truth to be self-evident: The Declaration of Independence will visit Rhode Island next month, according to the Rhode Island Historical Society.
A rare, original copy of The Declaration will be on public display at the Rhode Island Historical Society’s John Brown House Museum, for one day only, May 5, 2011, from 9am-6pm.
“As the State’s historical society, we are honored to welcome the Declaration of Independence to Rhode Island," said Roger Begin, President of the RIHS. "The timing is special as Rhode Island declared its independence on May 4, 1776, becoming the first colony to renounce its allegiance to King George III! We are thrilled to offer this great educational opportunity for visitors to see this important document that is America's reminder of our fundamental ideals.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTA rare copy on a mission
In 2000, Lyn and Norman Lear purchased a rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence. This copy, known as a “Dunlap Broadside,” is one of only 25 remaining original copies of the Declaration printed on the evening of July 4, 1776, at the shop of Philadelphia printer John Dunlap – and the only one that travels for exhibition. The Declaration of Independence Road Trip, a nationwide multi-media exhibit and tour of this original copy of the Declaration of Independence, was founded by Lyn and Norman Lear with the goal of bringing "the people's document" across the United States, to engage and energize all Americans, particularly young people, to participate in civic activism and to vote. The Declaration Road Trip has traveled to over 51 cities and towns throughout the country, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the Daytona 400 NASCAR race, Mount Rushmore, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial. It has been to six Presidential libraries.
The exhibit features an extraordinary 14-minute film produced by Lear and Rob Reiner at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in which a distinguished group of actors joined together for a powerful reading of the document.
The Declaration will be on display for free public viewing on Thursday, May 5, 2011 from 9am-6pm at the John Brown House Museum. For more information, visit www.rihs.org. For school or tour groups, contact Dalila Goulart at (401) 273-7507 x 60 or email [email protected]. Note: groups without reservations may not be able to view the document.
