Technology

Preserving the Declaration of Independence, A History

Preserving the Declaration of Independence, A History

In 2009, Wired Magazine first published a short article chronicling the preservation (or lack thereof) of the Declaration of Independence. In each of the two years since, Wired.com has republished the article around the Fourth of July. Pretty interesting off the bat — the article’s first point is that it took 127 years before anyone said “Hey, maybe we should preserve this thing.”

From Wired:

“During the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence was rolled up and toted around like a Thomas Bros. map, although, given the vicissitudes of war, that’s perhaps understandable. Less understandable is what came later. Water was spilled on it while it was being copied in 1823. Then it was tacked up on the wall at the U.S. Patent Office for about 40 years, where it was subjected to a strong northern light.

Finally, the suggestion was made in 1903 that maybe it shouldn’t be exposed to sunlight and, oh, by the way, maybe it should be kept dry, too. The latter turned out to be a bad idea because the Declaration, which was written on parchment, actually needs a bit of moisture to keep from cracking

It wasn’t until 1951 that the first modern preservation efforts began. The document was sealed inside a bronze, bullet-proof glass case at the National Archives building in Washington, D.C. Humidified helium replaced oxygen to prevent further erosion, and the glass was filtered to cut down on light exposure.

Beginning in 1987, using camera equipment developed for the Hubble Space Telescope, preservationists were able to monitor the Declaration for even the most minute signs of fading or flaking ink.

The measures proved effective, so much so that the Declaration outlived its original protective case. After undergoing careful inspection for further erosion in 2003, the document was resealed in a titanium casement filled with inert argon gas. Similar preservation techniques are used to protect the Bill of Rights and Constitution.”

The document, of course, currently is on display at the National Archives.  There are plenty of resources availabable online as well.   Archives.Gov:

“Chronologically, it is helpful to divide the history of the Declaration after its signing into five main periods, some more distinct than others. The first period consists of the early travels of the parchment and lasts until 1814. The second period relates to the long sojourn of the Declaration in Washington, DC, from 1814 until its brief return to Philadelphia for the 1876 Centennial. The third period covers the years 1877-1921, a period marked by increasing concern for the deterioration of the document and the need for a fitting and permanent Washington home. Except for an interlude during World War II, the fourth and fifth periods cover the time the Declaration rested in the Library of Congress from 1921 to 1952 and in the National Archives from 1952 to the present.”

In contrast to Wired’s piece, the National Archives notes it only took 100 years before preservation methods were first initiated to protect the document:

“The Public Ledger for May 8, 1876, noted that it was in Independence Hall framed and glazed for protection, and . . . deposited in a fireproof safe especially designed for both preservation and convenient display. ‘”

Interesting to keep in mind this holiday weekend. Have a happy Fourth of July!

Comments (97)

1 2 3
  • ShyMan
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:48am

    We live in an amazing country. It’s future survival is up to us. Parents teach your children this special place in all the world is worthy to be called great because of it’s people. We have freedom as long as we have love for one another.

    Please, God, help us keep it that way.

    Report Post » ShyMan  
  • FugMan
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:26am

    God Bless America! Thank you for what you did for us!

    Report Post » FugMan  
  • Mr. Oshawott
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:45am

    The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution should be required teaching in schools of all levels! Happy Fourth of July! :-)

    Report Post » Mr. Oshawott  
  • jzs
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:43am

    “Beginning in 1987, using camera equipment developed for the Hubble Space Telescope, preservationists were able to monitor the Declaration for even the most minute signs of fading or flaking ink.”

    Just another to support the NASA and the space program.

    Report Post » jzs  
  • SavingtheRepublic.com
    Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:38am

    “….That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security….”
    Love it or leave…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1zkGZRfj24

    Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 11:50pm

    @republicorp

    If Obama had HIS way, he’d take the eraser to “endowed by our CREATOR”

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • scuba13
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 11:49pm

    Gob bless the United States of America.

    Report Post » scuba13  
  • DropZoneJumpMaster
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 11:30pm

    Happy Birthday America! Lets keep God in our Pledge and in our Lives!

    http://www.presentationexpert.com/stw/?p=xlopjg299e004112mpzv

    Report Post » DropZoneJumpMaster  
  • asybot
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 11:29pm

    From Canada: Happy birthday and thanks for you all do for the rest of the world, I am an European immigrant that well remembers the Marshall Plan and dozens if not hundreds of similar efforts your nation has done all over the planet in the last century.I believe they are jealous of you all!

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 11:21pm

    We need to save the originals for as long as is humanly possible; to show people the “THERE it is!” from our past.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • johnsell
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 11:10pm

    I hope that those who know why we celebrate Independence Day will ask others if they know why and if they don’t, will let them know by insisting that they read The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Federalist Papers and realize that it isn’t just another day off holiday. Bless our Founders for their gift to the freedom of USA and the world we survive in!

    Report Post »  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 11:03pm

    The Declaration blows away Mein Kampf, the Communist Manifesto, and everything else liberals love to quote.

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 11:01pm

    Before I left my radio show for the weekend; I read the entire Declaration on air–yes, it is an interesting comparison between King George and Poser Obama. Hope others see it and see fit to kick his sorry %$# out of our White House.

    Report Post »  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:57pm

    Inspired works of literature that can accomplish what the declaration has, are rare indeed.
    Righteous is not too good a word for independence and the declaration providing it.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • me85
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:49pm

    But then again he did mention the Clinton is supporting Bull Moose Republicans, so I guess. Sorry if I’m giving you crap Christopher Santarelli, don’t mean to offend you.

    Report Post » me85  
  • me85
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:39pm

    Christopher Santarelli saved himself with this one. Great article. And happy Fourth of July and may God bless the United States of America.

    Report Post » me85  
  • BuckleUpAmerica
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:35pm

    I‘m surprised with this administration it hasn’t showed up on pawn stars.

    Report Post » BuckleUpAmerica  
  • Large Eagle
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:34pm

    Read the grievances and see how many Obama has committed. Very erie

    Report Post »  
  • Flotilla Hunter
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:33pm

    I agree, if we would only follow it.

    Report Post »  
  • momprayn
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:32pm

    And now is the time for patriots to once again take a courageous stand to work, sacrifice and fight to restore it. Glenn is “right on” with his Israel rally to restore “Courage”.
    Happy Fourth of July !!!!

    Report Post »  
  • liberum1776
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:31pm

    Merry Independence Day to the United States of America. May you regain your glory and allow the people of this nation to experience true Liberty again breaking the bonds of slavery currently being forged through the greed of those in the corrupted government.

    Report Post »  
    • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:10am

      I could not have put in any better words than this. Holding onto our freedoms is more dire by the minute with this incompetent administration. I don’t think we have ever in Americas history had a President any more ignorant to what the country needs or wants than Obama.

      Report Post »  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 7:15pm

      Never underestimate your enemy.

      Report Post »  
    • JustaThought
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 7:29am

      Amen !!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • Dustyluv
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:29pm

    I just wish we would follow it….

    Report Post »  
  • RepubliCorp
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:21pm

    If Obama had his way, he would sell it on ebay and give the money to La Raza

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Bermuda Onion
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 10:19am

      I tried to post something which really wasn’t far from the truth and I guess the new Huffpo person deemed it not printable.

      Report Post »  
  • John Campbell
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:21pm

    The truest of words of the time and still are today. Lets pray they always remain so. “Unalienable rights”.

    Report Post »  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:15pm

    The people who love this country want it preserved, only anti-Ameicans have a problem with this story.

    Report Post »  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 10:26pm

      With this bunch in office it ain’t going to happen. It was a good while it lasted. Austa Lavista Baby.

      Report Post »  
    • Obeckian1984
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 11:41am

      That the largest signature on the Declaration of Independence was signed by the richest smuggler in North America was no coincidence. He was hopping mad. Parliament in 1773 had cut the tax on tea imported by the British East India Company, so the cost of British tea went lower than the smugglers’ cost on non-British tea. This had cost Hancock a pretty penny. The Tea Party had stopped the unloading of the tea by throwing privately owned tea off a privately owned ship – a ship in competition with Hancock’s ships. The Boston Tea Party was in fact a well-organized protest against lower prices stemming from lower taxes.

      Report Post » Obeckian1984  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:29pm

      God bless the Declaration of Independence, God bless our Constitution and mostly God Bless America.
      Happy 4th of July. Save & preserve our Country.

      Report Post »  
    • Falsegods
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 11:42pm

      Engrave the Declaration of Independence in bronze
      And attach it to every courthouse in America,
      And teach it in every public school,
      Make sure every public servant followes it,
      That will preserve it.

      Report Post »  
    • quicker
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 7:49am

      They would denigh that as it has the bad word to liberals God

      Report Post » quicker  
    • uncleherbert
      Posted on July 5, 2011 at 5:58am

      @FALSEGODS, Your wisdom is agreat idea! I would even vote for that. May God bless America.

      Report Post » uncleherbert  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on July 3, 2011 at 11:51pm

      This should be required reading weekly for all government officials…and monthly for everyone else in the US.

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • BOMUSTGO
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 7:37am

      BENJARMON…You are correct about that.Better yet, they should copy it by hand on paper.In Deut 17:18-20, the Bible states that a King should write a copy of the law in a book and read it and follow it.

      Report Post » BOMUSTGO  
    • Look4DBigPicture
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:58pm

      @Banjarmon … Superb idea.

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 12:38am

      “Beginning in 1987, using camera equipment developed for the Hubble Space Telescope, preservationists were able to monitor the Declaration for even the most minute signs of fading or flaking ink.”

      Yet another reason to support the space program.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:36am

      @JZS

      I’m with ya all the way on that one.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • watchmany2k
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 7:23am

      What I find most facinating is that homeland security -when they released their manefesto- says that if YOU have a copy of this and the Constitution framed and on your wall – You may be a terrorist and on their watch list.

      I think it’s high time we ALL frame and hang copies on our walls !

      The only words more holy are the words in red in our bibles.
      Teach your Children the meaning of BOTH.

      Stay safe, eat some hot dogs with freedom fries and
      celebrate The Birth of Freedom in the world !

      Report Post » watchmany2k  
    • randy
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 9:50am

      @WATCHMANY2K I have the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, a Photo of George Washington crossing the Delaware, Portrait of George Washington, and a copy of my relative Stephen Hopkins, Gov of Rhode Island, signing the declaration of independence on my office wall. And two flags in the corner, the US flag and the Gadsden Flag…….Guess this makes me a domestic terrorist?

      Report Post » randy  
    • RehabUncleSam
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:55pm

      The Constitution is the lifeblood of the American Tea Party Patriot. They are the Son’s and Daughters of this Nation of Liberty and Grace, and the Law. They will defend it with their Last Breath, it is their Birthright.

      For without Liberty , Grace and Equal Justice our Republic shall forever suffocate beneath a nation of Men above law, and their Social Justice. We believe it is tyranny they have now bestowed on us, with the currently required redistribution of Wealth and Health. For their description, of the Welfare of all Men.

      The history of the Progressive’s on both the Left and the Right is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

      They have refused to abide to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. They have forbidden their governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance.

      They have refused to enforce Federal laws for the protection and security of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish such enforcement in the legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

      They have called together judicial bodies to litigate unusual petitions against States in the Republic distant from the depository of Federal jurisdiction, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with their measures.

      Report Post » RehabUncleSam  
    • RehabUncleSam
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:56pm

      They have dishonored the reputation of representatives of law enforcement repeatedly, for supposed invasions on the rights of the people.

      They have refused for a long time to accept, in the present conflicts, as enemy combatants. Enemies that come from many nations, wear no uniforms, and use unconventional weapons, whereby giving them rights with powers, to make them incapable of annihilation, they have returned to terrorize the people at large for their exercise; the States remaining in the meantime exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

      They have endeavored to encourage the illegal population of these states; and then obstructed the laws for naturalization of foreigners; by refusing to secure our borders, they encourage their illegal migration hither with promises of amnesty, only to be enslaved by having to work illegally in agriculture, and other labor intensive industries for wages so low they cannot breath freedom within the golden door, then to add injury, insult hard working Americans by claiming it is work they will not do.
      They have obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing to enforce laws for establishing fair practices in elections, thus encouraging intimidation at voting places.

      They have hired a multitude of new offices, Internal Revenue agents, various Health Care panels, Czars or Presidential advisers, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass or tax the people, and to decide what medical need

      Report Post » RehabUncleSam  
    • RehabUncleSam
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:58pm

      They have combined with others to subject us to entitlements foreign to our constitution, while not required be subjected to them themselves.

      For suspending our State legislatures and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

      In every stage of these oppressions we will petition and protest for redress in the most humble terms: thus far our repeated petitions and protests have been answered only by repeated insults and injury. A President, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the President of a free people.

      This is becoming long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object reveals a design to reduce us under absolute tyranny, it is every Americans right, it is their duty, to vote out such government, and to vote for new government for their future security.

      And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

      These Patriots have no doubt, it is not only their Birthright, it is their natural born Duty to Stand. Indivisible and United, for these ideas, on this battlefield, have already been won!

      Report Post » RehabUncleSam  
    • RehabUncleSam
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 1:59pm

      For the Tea Party Patriots and the Nine Twelve Project and all the values and principles they represent. The previous is my adaptation of other Patriot’s previous writings in part. Although it is based on more current events, the American Spirit remains.

      I continue to ask all Tea Party Patriots to STAND?

      And pledge to be.

      Not Racist, Not Violent, but Respectful and No Longer Silent!

      God Bless you all, and may God Bless the United States of America.

      Report Post » RehabUncleSam  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 2:13pm

      brave Tea Party members can start by refusing the Back scatter Naked Body scanners
      every time you are asked to by TSA…
      What are you afraid of ?

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • ACTS2-38
      Posted on July 4, 2011 at 5:50pm

      Did you know this day we’re celebrating is a Prophecy in the Bible??? Daniel 7:4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to him.

      Report Post »  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love