Is there a cost to attend the exhibition?

No, this exhibition is completely free and open to the public during regular library hours.

Where is the exhibit located and where should I park?

The prints are on display in the second-floor auditorium corridor of the Durham County Main Library in downtown Durham. Visitors can park for free in the library's parking deck.

What ages is this exhibit best for?

While all ages are welcome in the library, school-aged children, particularly those in fourth grade and up who are studying American history, will get the most out of seeing these documents.

Declaration of Independence: Rare Prints on Display

Name: Declaration of Independence: Rare Prints on Display
Start: 2026-09-19T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-09-19T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Main Library – Main Library - Auditorium - Upper Corridor 2nd Floor

“Park in the library deck and pair this with a visit to the children's department”

durhamlibraryfreefamily friendlykid friendlyteen

Declaration of Independence: Rare Prints on Display is a free historical exhibition at the Durham County Main Library featuring three rare 19th-century prints of America's founding document. This temporary display is a collaboration with Duke University's Nasher Museum of Art, showcasing historic copies on loan from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection, including a famous 1823 Stone facsimile. This exhibit is best suited for upper elementary students, middle schoolers, and teens who are already learning about early American history in school. The display is located in the second-floor auditorium corridor of the Main Library in downtown Durham, which offers free parking in the attached deck. You do not need tickets or registration to view the documents, making it easy to pop in and out at your own pace. It is a smart addition to your weekend plans because it offers a quick, educational stop that pairs perfectly with a walk to nearby downtown Durham lunch spots. It is a rare chance to show kids what these historic documents actually looked like before modern printing existed, without having to travel to Washington, D.C.

View on durham-library

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to attend the exhibition?: No, this exhibition is completely free and open to the public during regular library hours.
Where is the exhibit located and where should I park?: The prints are on display in the second-floor auditorium corridor of the Durham County Main Library in downtown Durham. Visitors can park for free in the library's parking deck.
What ages is this exhibit best for?: While all ages are welcome in the library, school-aged children, particularly those in fourth grade and up who are studying American history, will get the most out of seeing these documents.

Last updated September 10, 2026

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Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Declaration of Independence: Rare Prints on Display runs Sat, Sep 19, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. It repeats daily.

Getting There

Main Library – Main Library - Auditorium - Upper Corridor 2nd Floor is in Durham, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at Main Library – Main Library - Auditorium - Upper Corridor 2nd Floor →

What to Bring

Nothing but the kids — this one's free, with no tickets to buy.

Declaration of Independence: Rare Prints on Display

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Getting There

What to Bring

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