Peabody Welcomes Declaration Of Independence Reproduction For 250th Anniversary

PEABODY, MA — The City of Peabody has received a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence from State Reps. Tom Walsh and Sally Kerans.

The reproduction was printed on an original 18th-century printing press in Haverhill, and features the verbatim text of the Declaration as it appeared in 1776.

The reproduction was produced on heavyweight paper and is considered a historically significant gift during the nation’s 250th anniversary year.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt said the document carries added meaning as communities mark that milestone.

"At a time when our nation is marking its 250th anniversary, this reproduction of the Declaration of Independence is a powerful reminder of our shared history," Bettencourt said. "We are grateful to Representatives Walsh and Kerans for providing the city with such a meaningful and beautifully crafted piece of America's story."

The city plans to display the framed reproduction in Wiggin Auditorium. Residents and visitors will be able to view the document there throughout the nation’s 250th anniversary commemorations at a date to be determined.

The city did not announce a specific date for the public display in Wiggin Auditorium, but said the framed document is intended to be available for residents and visitors during the anniversary commemorations. The gift from Walsh and Kerans adds a visible historical item to Peabody’s public spaces as the city joins in marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.