Maine Historical Society Displays Rare Declaration Copy

The Maine State Archives in Augusta is hosting a rare Dunlap broadside of the Declaration of Independence.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Historical

Screen-print poster illustration of a vintage parchment scroll with a wax seal on a stand, evoking historical archival exhibits. — The Maine State Archives in Augusta is currently displaying a rare 1776 Dunlap broadside of the Declaration of Independence to the public. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A historic Dunlap broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence is currently on public display at the Maine State Archives Building in Augusta. The rare document is part of a statewide tour before moving to its next exhibition location.

Why it matters

The broadside represents one of the foundational documents of the United States, providing a direct link to the events of 1776 for residents across the state of Maine.

Only 26 first printings of the original 200 Dunlap broadsides remain in existence today. The Maine Historical Society received this specific copy as a bequest from Dr. John S. H. Fogg and his wife Mary in 1905.

The players

Maine Historical Society

This organization serves as the primary repository for state history and manages the stewardship of the rare broadside copy.

Dr. John S. H. Fogg

He was an original donor who, alongside his wife Mary, bequeathed the historic document to the state society in 1905.

Bowdoin College

This academic institution is the next scheduled stop for the broadside following the conclusion of the Augusta exhibition.

The details

The exhibition features the rare broadside alongside other Revolutionary-era materials, including early printings from Hallowell and Salem, Massachusetts. The display also incorporates historical court documents originating from Lincoln and York County.

July 4, 1776: The original 200 copies of the Declaration of Independence were printed.
1905: The Fogg family bequeathed the document to the Maine Historical Society.
October 21, 2026: The document arrived in Augusta for exhibition.
October 23, 2026: The display concludes at the Maine State Archives Building.

Culture Shift

This exhibition highlights a growing societal interest in physical historical artifacts as digital archives become the standard for research. It positions the Maine Historical Society as a key institution in maintaining public engagement with tangible American history.

Residents have until October 23 to visit the Maine State Archives Building in Augusta to view this rare piece of American history. Planning a visit during the final days allows the public to see both the broadside and the associated Revolutionary-era court records.

The takeaway

Preserving these documents ensures that future generations have direct access to the nation's foundational history. Visitors are encouraged to observe the document closely to appreciate the printing techniques utilized during the Revolutionary era.