For the nation's 250th anniversary, a handful of museums and libraries in New York City are digging into their archives and pulling out some of the most rare and important documents related to the country's founding. Chief among those documents are copies of the Declaration of Independence. From printings made in Philadelphia and modern artistic interpretations, to an original handwritten copy, discover where you can see different versions of this landmark document this summer.
1. The New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
The New York Public Library is home to multiple versions of the Declaration of Independence, including a copy handwritten by Thomas Jefferson himself. This "fair copy" is rarely on display, but will come out of the archives for a limited time during July 4th celebrations.
The NYPL's copy of the Declaration is interesting because it is not exactly the same as the version that was ratified by the Second Continental Congress. This version includes a lengthy critique of the slave trade, which Jefferson claimed was removed to appease southern states.
This document will be on display at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building from July 1st to 7th for limited ticketed viewings. These viewings are currently sold out, but some walk ins may be accommodated if time allows. After July 7th, you can see a facsimile on display at the center of the Revolutionary City in the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures, part of the multi-gallery exhibit Declaring America: 1776 and Beyond. Other versions of the Declaration that can be seen in this exhibit include a printing by New-York Journal editor and Sons of Liberty Members John Holt, a modern interpretation by artist Mindy Belloff, and a printing by bookseller, printer, and postmaster Mary Katherine Goddard, the first printing of this document to be made by a woman and the first to include the names of the signers.
2. The Morgan Library and Museum
Inside the stunning Rotunda of the Morgan Library & Museum visitors can take a look at the “Dunlap broadside,” a copy of the declaration typeset by John Dunlap on the night of July 4, 1776. This copy was made for distribution to “the several Assemblies, Conventions & Committees or Councils of Safety and to the several Commanding Officers of the Continental troops.” It is one of only twenty-six recorded copies.
Alongside the Declaration will be other artifacts from the collection including letters from figures like Martha Washington and Virginia Governor Patrick Henry, a life mask of George Washington, and a copy of Thomas Paine’s radical Common Sense. The Declaration of Independence: Rare Americana from the Collectionwill be on display through September 13th.
3. The New York Historical
Photos Courtesy of the New York Historical (Left) Hugh Gaine printing of the Declaration (Right) Declaration of Dependence
The city's oldest museum just unveiled a new wing and a brand new exhibit, Democracy Matters. In that new exhibit, visitors can view a Hugh Gaine printing of the Declaration which was made here in New York. The Loyalist response, a Declaration of Dependence, is on display as well. This petition from hundreds of Loyalist New Yorkers reaffirmed their allegiance “to our Sovereign, against the strong tide of oppression and tyranny" in November 1776. These items will be on display through November 1.
For a limited time until July 5th, the museum also has on display a rare, previously unidentified printing of the Declaration of Independence from its collection! Though this broadside has been in the collection for generations, its printer was always unknown. After dedicated research by leading scholars and library staff, it is believed that this copy was printed by Samuel Loudon in the aftermath of July 4, 1776. Loudon was a colonial New York printer who founded the newspaper, The New-York Packet. This version would have been distributed among the general public in town halls, houses of worship, and other meeting places.
Docent-Led Tour of Democracy Matters in theNew Tang Wing
🗓️ Sunday, July 19th at 11:30 am ⭐ Free (a $29 value) 🎟️ Open exclusively to Insiders & Explorers
See items from The Historical’s renowned collections of art and historical objects on a private tour!
Through July 10th, New Yorkers can see another copy of John Dunlap's printing at the Grey Art Museum. Featured in the exhibit The Declaration of Independence: Long Trail to Liberty from New York University and The Berkley Collection, this copy will be on display with more than 100 other rare manuscripts, pamphlets, books, maps, and more. These artifacts explore the 27 “grievances,” or reasons for revolution. The exhibit is free and open to the public. See the museum hours here.
