New York Public Library Offers Rare Viewing of Declaration of Independence for 250th Anniversary
The New York Public Library is offering a rare opportunity to view one of the few surviving 'fair copies' of the Declaration of Independence, handwritten by Thomas Jefferson. This event is part of the library's celebration of America's 250th anniversary. The document will be displayed at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building from July 1 through July 7, with free tickets released online every Monday through June 29. The manuscript, notable for its original condemnation of the slave trade, was completed on July 1, 1776, and revised before its ratification three days later. Jefferson was reportedly upset by the removal of his critique of the slave trade, and he handwrote copies of the original version, underlining the removed passages, which he sent to friends. The library's copy is believed to be the one Jefferson sent to George Wythe, his former law professor. 
