By Stace Keane
PEORIA, Ill. – The Peoria Riverfront Museum is unveiling a piece of history.
A rare, original William J. Stone 1833 printing of the 1776 Declaration of Independence is being added to the museum’s permanent collection, thanks to the philanthropic support of Doug and Diane Oberhelman.
This foundational piece of American history, which established the iconic layout, distinctive script, and signature arrangement recognized by millions today, was printed by the famous Washington, D.C., printer William Stone, who spent 3 years from 1820 to 1823 making a copper engraving. The museum’s version was printed using those engraved plates in 1833.
The document is the foundation of America, itself—and Peoria Riverfront Museum CEO John D. Morris says no object could be more appropriate, as our nation is set to celebrate its 250th birthday.
The document will be presented at the annual State of the Museum presentation which begins at 5:15 Wednesday evening in the museum’s Giant Screen Theater.
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