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Can the public see the original Declaration of Independence?
The National Archives Building is home to more than three billion records in total, including the three most important documents in American history: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These can be viewed in the building’s Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.
How much is the Declaration of Independence worth?
Probably the most common question we get in the Americana department is “I found an original copy of the Declaration of Independence—is it worth anything?” The short answer: it’s worth somewhere between zero and ten million dollars.
Where is the original date of the declaration of Independence?
Today it is maintained under the most exacting archival conditions possible. There is one line of text along the bottom edge on the back of the Declaration. It reads, “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776,” This docket (identifying label) was visible when the document was rolled up for storage.
Are there any copies of the declaration of Independence?
Were they all signed? There is only one copy of the engrossed and signed Declaration of Independence, in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. This copy was produced and signed several weeks after the Declaration of Independence was first published.
Is the declaration of independence in the rotunda?
The Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other original documents displayed in the National Archives Museum are fragile and at risk to fading from light, especially flash photography. Photography is prohibited in the Rotunda and all exhibition areas in the National Archives Museum.
Who was president when the declaration of Independence was signed?
On July 4, 1776, Continental Congress President John Hancock ‘s signature authenticated the United States Declaration of Independence. Historians have generally accepted McKean’s version of events, arguing that the famous signed version of the Declaration was created after July 19, and was not signed by Congress until August 2, 1776.