Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library And Museum
To Host Rare, Original Copy of The Declaration Of Independence
The Nation's Birth Certificate Travels to Texas to Inspire the Austin Community
What: A rare original copy of the Declaration of Independence is coming soon to Austin as part of the Declaration of Independence (DOI) Road Trip, a multi-media exhibit currently on a three-and-one-half year tour across the country. The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library has been specially chosen to host the exhibit from October 24 - November 9, 2003. Admission is free.
Producer Norman Lear acquired a Dunlap broadside of the Declaration in June 2000 with the goal of bringing the “People’s Document” directly to Americans -- especially young people – to inspire them to participate in civic activism, to exercise their rights, and above all, to vote. The Home Depot is the Presenting Sponsor of the DOI Road Trip. The United States Postal Service is the Official Carrier and AXA Financial, Inc. is a Proud Sponsor of the Declaration of Independence Road Trip. For additional information on the DOI Road Trip, please visit www.IndependenceRoadTrip.org.
When: October 24 - November 9, 2003
Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum
2313 Red River Street
Austin, TX 76705
(512) 721-0200
www.lbjlib.utexas.edu
Exhibit Features:
- One of only 25 remaining original copies of the Declaration of Independence, printed
on the evening of July 4, 1776, and the only one traveling the nation. - An entertaining and educational video that explains the history of the Declaration and its relevance to contemporary America, hosted by Reese Witherspoon, a descendant of one of the original signers of the document.
- An extraordinary 14-minute film, produced by Norman Lear and Rob Reiner that includes a powerful theatrical presentation of the Declaration of Independence by a distinguished group of actors, including Mel Gibson, Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Spacey, Michael Douglas, and Renee Zellweger, among others.
- A collection of historical, current photographs and video of social and political movements in our nation’s history.
- A modern-day “Liberty Pole,” a central gathering place where opinion cards are placed to invite individual expressions on various topics, such as equality, freedom and happiness. These cards double as post cards that will be sent to participants one year later to remind them of their pledge to civic involvement.
- Youth voting booths designed to educate students about the importance of the voting process and voicing their opinions. Students will be able to electronically cast their vote on several topics, such as lowering the voting age, the environment and mandatory volunteer service requirements for graduation, using Election Systems & Software, Inc. (ES&S) iVotronic™ touch screen voting units.
- On-site voter registration (assisted by the League of Women Voters)
For more information about the Dunlap Broadside and the Declaration of Independence Road Trip click on
www.IndependenceRoadTrip.org
School Tours of the Declaration of Independence Information:
School groups with reservations will have first priority in the film and in the exhibit.
School tours are offered 9:00-1:00 M-F
Group size cannot exceed 80
One responsible adult chaperone is required for every 10 students
To schedule a school tour call the Tour Office at 721-0184
Contact: Jessica Thunberg
(312) 573-5518
jessica_thunberg@jtpr.com
Anne Wheeler
(512) 721-0216
anne.wheeler@nara.gov