The exhibition marks a centerpiece of the United States' semiquincentennial celebrations. Visitors will have access to the rare manuscripts through June 2027, bridging the physical space of the monument with the legislative milestones that defined Lincoln's presidency. The Emancipation Proclamation copy is one of 27 remaining from the 1864 Great Central Fair, while the 13th Amendment piece is one of only 15 known signed copies.
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Lincoln Memorial to Display Rare Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment
Two of the most significant documents in American history—original, signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment—are heading to the Lincoln Memorial. The artifacts, on loan from Citadel CEO Kenneth C. Griffin, will anchor the grand opening of the site’s new museum in the Undercroft on June 25.
Jeff Reinbold, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation, noted that the display offers a rare opportunity for the public to view history outside of textbooks. The installation follows a broader restoration project of the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft, funded in part by Griffin. This private philanthropic effort aims to modernize the memorial’s infrastructure and expand civic education, ensuring the site functions as a long-term resource for visitors.
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