Dallas’ most famous piece of paper is taking a summer field trip. An original July 4, 1776 printing of the Declaration of Independence is now on public display at Fair Park’s Hall of State, giving Dallas residents and World Cup visitors a rare close look at one of the nation’s founding broadsides through July 17. The paper, long called the city’s “lost copy,” was moved from its usual home at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library for the summer as part of an America250 program. Admission is free during regular Hall of State hours while Fair Park hosts FIFA Fan Festival events.
What’s on view
The exhibition, titled "Declarations: America & Texas Independence," runs June 15–July 17 at the Hall of State and features an original 1776 Dunlap broadside on loan from the Dallas Public Library, an 1829 reproduction of Thomas Jefferson’s draft, the 1836 Convention journal and the only known original printed copy of General Order No. 3. As detailed by the Dallas Historical Society, the show ties together the stories of American independence, Texas independence and emancipation, and is free and open to the public during Hall of State hours.
Temporary loan and programming
The Dallas Public Library says the city-owned broadside will be temporarily unavailable for viewing at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library while it is on loan to Fair Park for FIFA Fan Festival days. According to the Dallas Public Library, the library is also running tied-in America250 programs across branches, including family activities and an "Amazing Race for Independence" challenge for younger visitors.
Why now and security
In a statement to NBC 5 DFW, Mayor Eric L. Johnson said he was "thrilled" to invite both Dallasites and visitors to view the original and reflect on America’s founding ideals. NBC 5 reports the document will be guarded around the clock by officers while archivists monitor it inside a custom display case commissioned for the run. Historians note the Dallas broadside is one of roughly 200 Dunlap printings from July 4, 1776, with about 26 surviving today and, officials say, the only copy on public view west of the Mississippi. The paper was rediscovered in 1968, purchased by a group of Dallas business leaders, and formally gifted to the City of Dallas in 1982, NBC 5 adds.
Plan your visit
The Hall of State’s exhibits are open daily, and the Dallas Historical Society lists Hall hours as 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the FIFA Fan Festival period. The exhibit is free, but Fair Park is expected to draw large crowds while World Cup events are underway, so visitors should allow extra time for travel and parking.
