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Rare Early Copies of the Declaration of Independence Go On View at The Nasher Museum Sept. 24

Date: Thu, Sep 24, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Venue: Nasher Museum, Raleigh

Price:

Category: Community

Declaration of Independence. Engraving on vellum. Printed by Benjamin Owen Tyler (1789 – after 1855). Engraved by Peter Maverick, Washington, D.C.,1818. Collection of David M. Rubenstein. Photo by Vincent Dilio The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, 2001 Campus Drive, Durham, North Carolina, will open The Declaration of Independence, a rare exhibition featuring three historic early copies of the nation’s founding document, on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The exhibition will be on view from September 24, 2026, to January 3, 2027. It's open to the public and free to visit. Hours are 10 am. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It's closed on Mondays. The historic copies will be presented in conversation with Nari Ward’s monumental We the People installation and the institution’s fall landmark show Turn the volume up!, inviting visitors to consider the Declaration’s enduring ideas of democracy, participation, and belonging through both historic and contemporary works. On view are three engravings from the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection, including a rare 1823 official facsimile engraved by William J. Stone—one of fewer than 40 known surviving “Stone Declarations”—as well as an 1818 reproduction by Benjamin Owen Tyler and an ornate 1819 broadside published by John Binns.

Raleigh Mom Club — Raleigh, NC

Community · Raleigh

Rare Early Copies of the Declaration of Independence Go On View at The Nasher Museum Sept. 24

“Park in the museum's paid lot and pair this with a stroll through Duke Gardens.”

When
Tomorrow
Thu, Sep 24, 2026
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where
Nasher Museum
Raleigh, NC
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
See details
trianglebudget friendly

Rare Early Copies of the Declaration of Independence Go On View at The Nasher Museum Sept. 24 is a limited-run historical document exhibition at Duke University featuring three rare, early printings of the nation's founding text alongside contemporary art installations. Before you head out, note that while the museum is located in Durham, the source text contains a minor location error in its title line. Admission to the museum and this specific gallery is entirely free for everyone. The exhibition is best suited for older kids, teenagers, and history buffs who can appreciate the delicate vellum preservation and the gravity of the texts. Paid parking is available in the museum's dedicated lot, and you will want to leave large bags and strollers in the car to navigate the quiet gallery spaces easily. This makes an excellent weekend stop because it offers a bite-sized history lesson that you can easily combine with a walk around the Duke campus or a treat at the museum cafe. It is a low-pressure way to get some educational culture into your weekend routine without committing to a massive, exhausting museum trek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to see the Declaration of Independence exhibit?
No, admission to the Nasher Museum of Art and this specific exhibition is completely free to the public.
Where is the exhibition located and where should I park?
The exhibition is at the Nasher Museum of Art on the Duke University campus in Durham. Visitors can use the paid parking lot located directly on-site at the museum.
What age group is this museum exhibit best for?
This exhibit is best for middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults who are studying American history and can appreciate quiet gallery spaces.

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Rare Early Copies of the Declaration of Independence Go On View at The Nasher Museum Sept. 24 runs Thu, Sep 24, 2026, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Getting There

Nasher Museum is at 2001 Campus Drive, Raleigh, NC. Open in Google Maps.

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Admission is listed on the official page; otherwise, come as you are.

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