Louisville kicks off America 250 with unveiling of historic Declaration of Independence copy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's America 250 celebration kicked off Wednesday with an unveiling of a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

A Louisville couple purchased and then donated the 1823 William Stone copy, and their son reintroduced it to the city.

"The Declaration does not speak softly, it asserts that rights are inherent, that government must be accountable, and that we, the people, are the ultimate stewards of a free nation," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a news release. "In making this foundational document available to the public to see and read, I hope we also affirm that their meaning is not finished, and that the work they began remains ours to carry forward."

The copy was originally acquired with the intent that it would become a public gift.

There is believed to be 31 to 35 original documents left, including the one in Louisville.

"It is with great pride and privilege that I am able to express my gratitude on behalf of all of my family, not just for what this community has done for my life, but what this country has done for me in my life," Mark Mulloy said.

The William Stone copy got its name from the engraver of the document. It will remain on display starting Thursday, Jan. 22, through Labor Day at the Sons of the American Revolution Genealogical Research Library on Main Street's Museum Row in downtown Louisville. It's open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The city said the document will be "cared for and stored by" the University of Louisville Archives.

To learn more about the city's America 250 celebration, click here. It's part of a nationwide celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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