Over time, sunlight and abuse have impacted the document encased in bulletproof glass. It seems the Trump administration has not prioritized it much, as noted by a former archivist.
Once central to celebrations, the Declaration of Independence now draws less attention. In 1876, during the United States’ centennial, the Declaration was the star, showcased at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, America’s first World’s Fair. With nine million attendees, the event was significant given the country’s population was only about 46 million.
For the 250th anniversary, the document remains at the National Archives, surrounded by inert gases. At present, it’s less of a focus. Washington’s celebrations include events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship on the White House lawn and the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix near the National Archives.
“I think it is fair to say that the official activities haven’t put much emphasis on it,” remarked Colleen J. Shogan, the former archivist of the United States dismissed early in the Trump administration.
Monday afternoon marked 250 years since Jefferson completed the Declaration’s final text. No lines were observed at the Archives rotunda to view the famous words that begin with “When in the course of human events…” and see the renowned signatures.
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