Historical Society Talk at the Library: Declaration of Independence and Location Update

The Rockland Public Library and the Rockland Historical Society invite you to a special Independence Day Program in the Community Room of the Library on Thursday, July 2nd at 6pm. Members of the Society will share a copy of a rare draft of the Declaration of Independence in Thomas Jefferson's handwriting with scratch outs, changes and corrections by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. One of our members obtained this copy over 20 years ago. The original is now in a vault on the west coast of the United States and not available for public viewing. On July 3rd, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, in Massachusetts; "The Second Day of July 1776 will be the most memorable Epocha in the History of America."
In addition to this unique opportunity to view Jefferson's draft of the Declaration, Historical Society board members will share an update of the Society's move to 8 North Main Street in Rockland, and work on the building to prepare for a grand opening later this summer. The Society recently purchased space for expanded exhibits and research in an 1828 historic building located at the northern end of downtown Rockland. After more than two years in storage, the Historical Society is excited to share their progress toward their new home and help Rockland begin celebrating our nation's 250th Anniversary.
For more information about the event, contact the Rockland Public Library at 594-0310. The Library is located at 80 Union St. This event is free and open to all.