Rare Copy of Declaration of Independence on its Way to Six Cities

We're now involved in sponsoring a tour of America’s birth certificate – a rare, original copy of the Declaration of Independence printed July 4, 1776 – of six cities across the country to honor exemplary schools participating in the National Student/Parent Mock Election last fall.

Winning schools recognized for the impressive scope of their campaigns, selected from among the thousands that participated, include Andrew Carnegie Middle School (Carson, CA); Curie Metropolitan High School (Chicago); the Dade County School system (FL); Austin Independent School District (TX); the schools in the state of New Jersey; and the schools in the state of Arizona. Each winner will have the chance to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime visit and provide citizens of all ages the opportunity to view this historic document.

What was the Mock Election? Watch here:

The Declare Yourself copy of the Declaration of Independence, the 25th known copy in existence, is the only one that tours. Purchased by Norman Lear and his wife Lyn in 2000 for $8.1 million, it is one of 200 “broadsides,” or large poster size sheets, printed on July 4, 1776, only hours after Thomas Jefferson finished the final draft. It was discovered in 1989, in the back of a picture frame that a shopper purchased at a flea market for $4.00.