Rare copies of Declaration of Independence on display in Durham
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- History arrived in Durham on Tuesday.
Three rare copies of the Declaration of Independence dating to the early 1800s went on display at the Durham County Library.
"It is an extraordinary honor to present these historic documents in Durham," said Deborah Rutter, vice provost for the arts at Duke University. "Together, these three historic prints show how differently the Declaration's words were rendered and shared from the beginning. They remind us that this is a living text, continually examined and interpreted through art, scholarship and public conversation. I look forward to continuing that tradition of thoughtful civic engagement throughout the We the People initiative."
ABC11 got a sneak peek at the documents on Tuesday.
The prints on loan are from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection. They include a rare official full-sized 1823 facsimile engraved by William J. Stone (known as a Stone Declaration) as well as two historic broadside copies from the same era:
The Stone version is now one of the most reproduced versions of the document, appearing in school textbooks, media and other depictions of this founding document.
"Having these early printings of the Declaration brings a meaningful piece of our nation's story right into the community's living room at the library," said Durham County Library Director Dana Conners. "We the People encourages us to pause and consider the journey we've shared and the path forward. My hope is that people of all generations walk away from this exhibit feeling curious, inspired and optimistic about what we can continue to build together."
After the Durham library, the copies will head to Duke University's Nasher Museum of Art, where they will be on public display until early January.
