What's Happening?
A volunteer at the British National Archives has uncovered a rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence, just in time for the United States' 250th anniversary. The document, printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, is one of the rarest forms of the Declaration.
It was found among the letters of Captain Thomas Fitzherbert, who had seized it from the American vessel Dalton in 1776. This discovery adds a unique international dimension to America's founding history, as it was previously unknown outside the US. The Exeter Declaration broadsides were printed shortly after the colonies declared independence, and only ten copies were known to have survived before this find.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of this rare copy of the Declaration of Independence is significant as it highlights the historical connections between the US and the UK during the Revolutionary War. It also underscores the importance of preserving historical documents, which provide insights into the past. For historians and archivists, this find offers a new piece of evidence about the dissemination and preservation of the Declaration. It also enriches the narrative of America's founding by illustrating how such documents were circulated and sometimes captured during wartime. This discovery could inspire further research into other potentially undiscovered historical documents.
What's Next?
The newly found copy of the Declaration is expected to be a focal point in the upcoming Revolution 250 exhibition, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. This exhibition will likely draw attention from historians, scholars, and the public, eager to learn more about this pivotal moment in history. The discovery may also prompt further searches in archives around the world for other lost or hidden documents from the Revolutionary era. Additionally, it could lead to increased collaboration between US and UK historians and archivists to uncover more about the shared history of the two nations.
