Declaring a self-evident buzz

A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence went on display at the Minnesota History Center, drawing interest from visitors and descendants of the signers.

By JEAN HOPFENSPERGER, Star Tribune

Last update: May 6, 2008 - 9:29 PM

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Richard Lee doesn't like to boast, but he's a direct descendent of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence -- the fiery Richard Henry Lee.

His 6-year-old son, Nicholas, likes to don knee-high breeches, a pony-tailed wig and pointy-toed shoes for certain school events, where he portrays his famous ancestor.

Their Oakdale family has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence that went on display Tuesday at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, part of the state's celebration of its 150th anniversary.

"It's a document that changed world history," said Lee, a business consultant and history buff. "And to know that my ancestor had a big part in making it happen, that makes it even more significant."

The Lees are among tens of thousands of Minnesotans expected to view the original copy of the Declaration through May 18, when the exhibit closes. Along with the daytime exhibit open to the public, there will be special events devoted to veterans, attorneys, educators and civic leaders.

"The Declaration is the birth certificate of our nation, and the idea is to make it available to as many people as possible,'' said Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, whose office organized the exhibit and events.

Ritchie said he also wanted to gauge public interest in the document, because his office is hoping to spur the creation of a permanent exhibit of the Declaration and related state documents.

This is the second time that the Declaration of Independence has visited Minnesota. It's one of 25 remaining copies printed on July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress declared the colonies' break from England. About 200 copies were printed the night of the historic vote and the following morning. Couriers on horseback whisked copies to the armies in the field and throughout the 13 colonies, spreading the news.

The copy signed by all 56 members of the Congress, which is now at the National Archives, wasn't hand-lettered until weeks later.

"Everyone involved in producing that Declaration became a target of the crown [England]," said Elwin Fraley, a dealer of rare historic documents who is based in Eden Prairie. "A lot of the signers were caught, shot, tortured ... lost their property. Even the printer, John Dunlap, became a hunted man because printing it was an act of treason.''

For the bus loads of schoolchildren as well as curious adults who lined up to this symbol of patriotism on Tuesday, it was an exciting experience.

"It's amazing,'' said Lisbeth Perez, a 10-year-old from the New Spirit Primary School in St. Paul, staring at the document with her buddies. "How do you even get a copy of something like that?''

"I want to know where they found it: was it in the sand or something?'' added classmate Dominique Thurmond.

For the record, this copy was found behind a $4 picture purchased at a Pennsylvania flea market in 1989. The owner eventually sold the document for $2 million, and it was auctioned off again in 2000 for $8 million to television producer Norman Lear. It's now the only touring copy of the Declaration.

Because of its value and historical significance, the Declaration has the tightest security of anything displayed at the History Center, staff said. Armed guards stand close by, one at each side, 24/7. The document, valued at about $8 million, is encased in bulletproof glass.

Cyndy Johnson of Maple Grove brought her parents and her camera to check out the exhibit. Johnson took a few photos, without a flash, and then zoomed in on the crystal clear writing captured by her camera.

"I'll be reading this later," she said, looking at the words.

These original copies do not go on sale, said Ritchie. But there are a limited number of copies of the hand-printed declaration, made in the 1820s, that become available, he said.

Ritchie said he'd like to organize a way for one of these 1820 stone printings to be based in Minnesota. "So with some patience and public support, Minnesota could have a permanent exhibit of the Declaration of Independence and begin building an exhibit around it.''

Jean Hopfensperger • 651-298-1553