Free MOHAI exhibit brings Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights to Seattle
SEATTLE — Free public tickets are now available for a limited-run MOHAI exhibit featuring rare founding-era documents from the National Archives, the museum announced.
The exhibit, “Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation,” will be on view from July 30 through Aug. 16 at the Museum of History & Industry.
Seattle is one of eight cities selected to host the national tour and will be its final stop.
The exhibit is part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. Featured items include the original engraving of the Declaration of Independence from 1823, a secret 1787 draft printing of the U.S. Constitution, the Treaty of Paris, the Bill of Rights and other documents connected to the nation’s founding.
After the Seattle presentation, the documents will return to archival storage at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Admission to the exhibit and all MOHAI galleries will be free during the 18-day run. Tickets are timed to manage capacity. Walk-up tickets will also be available each day as space allows.
MOHAI also will open a second exhibit July 3, "For Which It Stands: The Many Threads of the American Flag." The exhibit explores the American flag as a symbol of unity, protest and debate.
The museum's America 250 programming will continue throughout the summer with public events including:
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"Virginia V America 250 Tour: Mosquito Fleet" on July 8 and Aug. 26, exploring connections between regional maritime history and broader national narratives.
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"Power of the Press" on July 18, examining journalism's role in shaping democracy, past and present.
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"There Is No Single American Story: Clint Smith" on July 22, featuring author and historian Clint Smith discussing how history is remembered and interpreted.
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"Seattle Democracy and the 21st Century" on July 31, a discussion of civic life, governance and public participation in modern America.
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"Tribal Treaties" on Sept. 29, focusing on Indigenous perspectives on sovereignty, history and nationhood.
Free exhibit tickets, public program tickets and information about MOHAI memberships are available online.