The Emancipation Proclamation is on view at the Tennessee State Museum through Monday, February 18. The viewing is in conjunction with the “Discovering the Civil War” exhibition from Washington D.C.’s National Archives.
President Abraham Lincoln signed the document in 1863, proclaiming all those enslaved in Confederate territory to be forever free. 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
“It is an incredible honor for Tennessee to host the Emancipation Proclamation, a document whose significance to the history of this country, and this region in particular, cannot be overstated,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. “This delicate manuscript represents America’s recognition that all people are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and we invite people from across the Southeast to see and celebrate with us the moment our country officially became the land of the free.”
Museum officials estimate 300 people will be able to see the document each hour. However, time periods will be built in so that when no reservations are sold, lines can catch-up if they are running behind, or to let more people walk in if the line is running on time.
The “Discovering the Civil War” exhibit will continue at the museum through September 1, 2013. Many of the other items on display have never been publicly exhibited. Highlights include the original copy of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery along with South Carolina’s 1860 declaration of secession. This traveling exhibit is free to the public, and the State Museum will be the last stop before these historic documents return to Washington D.C.
Reservations are on sale through TPAC Ticketing, which has ticket windows on site in the same building as the museum. Visitors may obtain a reservation at the windows, at www.tpac.org, or by calling 615-782-4040. There will be a handling charge of one dollar paid to TPAC Ticketing for each reservation. There is no admission charge to see the document.