South County Museum printing broadside copies of the Declaration of Independence

Photo: South County Museum Deputy Director and Curator Rebecca Kelly presents BankNewport President & CEO Jack Murphy with a hand-typeset reproduction of John Dunlap’s broadside of The Declaration of Independence.

The South County Museum Print Shop recently printed a hand-typeset reproduction of John Dunlap’s broadside (poster-size printing) of The Declaration of Independence. After The Continental Congress had adopted the Declaration on July 4, 1776, Dunlap worked through the night to produce the first printed versions of the American Declaration of Independence in his Philadelphia shop.

Dunlap printed approximately 200 copies. The museum intends to print a limited edition of 200 copies of this reproduction.

About South County Museum

The South County Museum is a leading educator in Rhode Island historical preservation and education. Funded through memberships, donations and partnerships, we pride ourselves on community-driven action and activity. From our main exhibit hall to our living history farm, we invite you to immerse yourself in all the South County Museum has to offer. Explore the story of the bustling commercial fishing port of Point Judith or the famous legacy of Kenyon’s Department Store. Engage with the storied history of the Indigenous Peoples of Rhode Island and the elegance of Narragansett Pier’s past. Learn about the traditional crafts of carpentry and blacksmithing – and even try them for yourself! There is no shortage of fascinating history displayed amongst our exhibits and within our collection of over 20,000 artifacts.

The museum will open for its 2024 season in the spring, however, they are open for winter group tours by appointment.