Historic Declaration Copies Arrived in Durham

The Nasher Museum of Art now hosts three rare 19th-century facsimiles of the Declaration of Independence.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Historical

Screen-print poster illustration of a weathered parchment scroll in a display case, evoking a museum heritage exhibition. — The Nasher Museum of Art in Durham is now exhibiting three rare 19th-century copies of the Declaration of Independence, known as the Stone, Binns, and Tyler facsimiles. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Three historic copies of the Declaration of Independence have gone on display at the Nasher Museum of Art in Durham. Known as the Stone, Binns, and Tyler copies, these items are part of a special exhibit marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration.

Why it matters

The exhibit aims to foster public engagement with American identity and history by providing the local community with rare access to these significant documents. These 19th-century copies are being showcased to educate the public on the history of the original Declaration of Independence.

The collection includes three copies produced in the early 19th century, including the Stone facsimile which is one of 200 printed on vellum. The original document suffered significant fading after hanging in front of a window for 30 years.

The players

Nasher Museum of Art

This is a contemporary art museum located at Duke University that frequently collaborates on regional educational initiatives.

David M. Rubenstein

He is a prominent philanthropist and businessman who owns the significant collection of historical American documents currently on display.

Duke University

This private research university in Durham maintains the museum and partners with city institutions to expand local access to cultural resources.

The details

The Stone, Binns, and Tyler copies belong to the collection of David M. Rubenstein and represent some of the most significant early reproductions of the Declaration. Conservators have stabilized the items to prevent damage from environmental fluctuations, while museum security monitors access to the gallery.

The original Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
The Stone, Binns, and Tyler copies were created in the early 19th century.
The documents were displayed at the Durham County Main Library from September 8 to September 20, 2026.
The Nasher Museum of Art exhibit runs through January 3, 2027.

Culture Shift

This exhibit reflects a growing trend of institutional efforts to increase public access to private historical collections during national commemorative milestones. It highlights a shift toward using original source materials to anchor community engagement in local cultural history.

Residents can view these rare documents firsthand at the Nasher Museum of Art before the exhibit closes in early 2027. This opportunity allows the public to examine the 200-year-old artifacts that offer a rare glimpse into the history of the founding document.

The takeaway

Engaging with physical artifacts provides a unique tactile connection to the history of the United States. Readers interested in history can visit the Nasher Museum to see how these early 19th-century facsimiles helped preserve the legacy of the original Declaration.