Dallas's Copy of the Declaration of Independence on Display at Fair Park

An original copy of the Declaration of Independence is on display at the Hall of State in Fair Park from now until July 17.

The City of Dallas announced the exhibit in a Monday press release. The exhibit features a rare, original copy of the document to be showcased as part of the "Declarations: America and Texas" exhibition alongside other documents from the Dallas Historical Society's collection.

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According to the release, the exhibit is made possible through a collaboration among the Dallas Historical Society, Dallas Public Library, Dallas Police Department, and the Dallas City Manager's Office. Entry to Fair Park is free for guests wanting to view the document.

At the request of Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, the document was transported from its permanent home at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library to Fair Park under the supervision of Dallas Police and archivists from the Dallas Historical Society.

Officers will provide 24/7 security throughout the exhibit, and archivists will monitor the document during its stay. Dallas Historical Society specifically commissioned a display case for the occasion.

Dallas's copy of the Declaration of Independence is one of 200 printed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Only 26 of these copies survive, and the city's is the only copy on public display west of the Mississippi River.

Rediscovered in 1968 and bought by Dallas business leaders, this "lost copy" was gifted to the city in 1982. The Friends of the Dallas Public Library built its permanent exhibition space at the Central Library.

Throughout this year, the Dallas Public Library will host events and programs as part of its America 250 celebration. During the programming, the library invites the community to engage with history and explore the stories that shaped the nation.

Learn more about the Dallas Public Library's America 250 programming and upcoming events here. View the Declaration of Independence exhibit on display at the Hall of State in Fair Park (3939 Grand Ave.).