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Celebrating America’s Bicentennial in 1976

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Finding a Sequence

The original Declaration of Independence is faded and hard to read because of its many travels, locations, and storage conditions before finding a permanent home at the National Archives. Less than 50 years after it was written, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams (future president) feared it wouldn’t be able to be seen much longer and hired a printer to make a replica copper engraving of it in 1820. Because copies were made from this copper plate, we know what the document looks like today.

In 1976, on the Bicentennial (200th anniversary), a master printer uncovered the plate and made copies from it. You will see pictures of the document and photos of the printing process. Put them in order—use the “Open in New Window” and “Show Hints” buttons for help.

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View the full activity: https://docsteach.org/activity/celebrating-americas-bicentennial-in-1976/

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To the extent possible under law, National Archives Foundation has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “Celebrating America’s Bicentennial in 1976”