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DURHAM, NC · TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 · LIBRARY
Declaration of Independence: Rare Prints on Display
We invite you to view rare 19th-century prints of the Declaration of Independence at Durham County Main Library.
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Fig. 01 — Main Library - Auditorium - Upper Corridor 2nd Floor, Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St)
About the event
We invite you to view rare 19th-century prints of the Declaration of Independence at Durham County Main Library.
As part of We the People: A Duke & Durham Initiative, Durham County Main Library and the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University are presenting three historic copies of the Declaration of Independence on loan from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore how the nation's founding document was visually rendered and circulated in early American history.
The exhibition will feature three rare prints on loan from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection: a rare official full-sized 1823 facsimile engraved by William J. Stone (known as a Stone Declaration) alongside two historic broadside copies from the same era: an 1818 reproduction by calligrapher Benjamin Owen Tyler and a more ornate 1819 illustrated version published by John Binns.
Visitors can also engage with interactive activities and explore featured library resources on display alongside the historic prints.
Gallery Hours at Durham County Main Library
September 8, 2026 – September 20, 2026
Monday – Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
*Gallery entry is on the 2nd floor of Main Library*
Group Visits & Planning Your Entry
Pre-registered group visits (10 people) take place Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Groups of 10 may sign up for self-guided times here.
Individual visitors are welcome at all times, but please note you may experience a brief wait to enter if the gallery is at capacity or if a large group is inside.
Read With Us
US Constitution/Declaration of Independence Childrens' Booklist
US Constitution/Declaration of Independence Adult Booklist
Exhibition Related Programming
Redeeming the Promise of the Declaration of Independence: Louis Austin, the Black Press, and the 20th Century Freedom Struggle - Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Her Fight, His Name: The Story of Gwen Carr and Eric Garner - Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
The American Revolution at 250: Historians Discuss the Many Worlds of 1776 - Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Full Durham Schedule
To maximize access across the region, the documents are hosted in two Durham spaces:
Durham County Main Library: September 8 – September 20, 2026 Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University: September 24, 2026 – January 3, 2027 - click here for more information
The Declaration of Independence is organized in collaboration with Duke Arts and the Nasher Museum of Art and is part of We the People: A Duke & Durham Initiative that marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through a series of public events examining the nation’s evolving identity. Three historic copies of the Declaration of Independence are on loan from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection. Leadership support for We the People has been generously provided by David M. Rubenstein.
Information on Entering Main Library
Parking is available in the library parking lot or at the North Queen Street Garage located at 115 North Queen Street which is behind the apartments directly across the street from the library.