A signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation that was signed by President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State William Seward will be on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Chris Wills, Communication Director for the Museum says that the original original was burned up in the Chicago Fire, but they do have a unique copy.

The document will be on display from June 15-July 6th. Admission is free in June if you’ve had you’re COVID vaccine.  The proclamation was issued on January 1st, 1863 freeing anyone enslaved who was in a state that was seceding from the Union, but the Union had to capture the territory before it would be enacted. It has led to Juneteenth being celebrated. 

There is also an online discussion taking place on June 17th on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

Wills says that it is so surreal seeing some of the great documents that come through the Museum.

For more information visit www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov or follow the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.