Monday, July 6, 2026, 4:30 to 8:30pm
Danvers Archival Center, Peabody Institute Library, 15 Sylvan Street, Danvers
The Danvers Archival Center & Peabody Institute Library of Danvers announce a very special, limited viewing of two 1776 printed Broadsides of our National Birth Certificate:
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
One of these large, 18th century laid-paper Broadsides was printed in Salem by order of the Massachusetts General Court, and distributed for mandatory public reading at local communities. The second Broadside (one of only two known to exist) was published by the same printer, Ezekiel Russell, for individual, patriotic family purchase, and includes two woodblock oval images depicting American military heroes General George Washington (at left) and General Horatio Gates. This Broadside is the rare, FIRST EVER PRINTED DEPICTION of “The Father of our Country,” and later first President of the United States.
All are welcome to view these wonderful contemporary copies of our founding document, as well as several other rare items, including the Danvers Town Meeting Record Book, wherein was hand-inscribed the full text of the Declaration in 1776.
Please do not bring packages, food, or drink to the viewing room, nor lean on or touch the display case. Security will be in place to protect these rare documents of our heritage!