National SAR Announces Public Display of Louisville’s 1823 William Stone Engraving of the Declaration of Independence

(LOUISVILLE, KY) — The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), in partnership with the City of Louisville, proudly announces the public unveiling of the City of Louisville’s rare 1823 William Stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence, one of the most significant printed representations of America’s founding document.

The historic document, loaned by the City of Louisville to the SAR, will be placed on public display in the Craik Room of the SAR Genealogical Research Library at the Society’s national headquarters on Main Street. Admission will be free and open to the public.

The display will be on view:

• Thursday, January 22, 2026, through Saturday, September 5, 2026
• Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The announcement was made during a press conference held on January 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., hosted by the Mayor Greenberg, members of the Louisville Metro Council, representatives of the Louisville 250 Commission, and SAR leadership. The event officially marks the kickoff of America 250 celebrations in Louisville, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

“This display represents a remarkable opportunity for the public to encounter history firsthand,” said SAR President General Mike Elston.

“The Sons of the American Revolution moved its national headquarters to Louisville in 1979, and we are a proud part of Main Street’s museum row. The education center and museum we are building there will be a great attraction for visitors and residents alike. We are thrilled to partner with our City to publicly display one of the few remaining 1823 copies of the Declaration of Independence printed from the Stone engraving. We hope that all who see it will feel a real connection to the founding generation, many of whom were still alive when it was printed. The Declaration was unique in world history, setting out the principles on which a new nation would be based. Every American — whether their family has been here for 400 years or four years — enjoys the benefits that have come from the Declaration, the war that made independence a reality, and the efforts of every succeeding generation to make a more perfect union.”

Commissioned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, the William Stone engraving is widely regarded as the most accurate reproduction of the original Declaration of Independence. Only a limited number of these engravings survive today.

The SAR Genealogical Research Library is located at the National Society’s headquarters in downtown Louisville and serves as one of the nation’s premier centers for Revolutionary War research and education.

To learn more about the William Stone Declaration of Independence Display, visit: https://library.sar.org/the-1823-stone-declaration/