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A brand-new Library of Congress exhibit gives you a look at the literal first draft of history ahead of America’s 250th birthday!
It’s called “The Declaration’s Promise: A Revolutionary Idea,” and WTOP is diving deep into the incredibly rare historical display in Thursday’s episode of “Matt About Town!”
Featuring 121 artifacts, the exhibit aims to take a look at how the nation’s founding document is a piece of history that Americans keep coming back to — and keep striving to uphold.
The flagship item is Thomas Jefferson’s original first draft of the Declaration of Independence, with edits from John Adams and Benjamin Franklin written in the margins. The document is one of several remarkably preserved pieces.
From a handwritten copy of Abraham Lincoln’s original “Gettysburg Address,” Jefferson’s copy of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” Frederick Douglass’ stirring speech on “The Meaning of July Fourth,” a 1690 edition of John Locke’s “Two Treatises of Government,” and even the first ever newspaper printings of the Declaration in the 13 colonies — there’s no shortage of items that will give you goosebumps to witness in person.
Beyond the incredibly cool pieces displayed though, there’s a deeper message: one of freedom, equality and democracy.
“The Declaration’s Promise: A Revolutionary Idea” runs for an entire year starting Friday. Learn more about the exhibit on the Library of Congress’ website.
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