The exhibit, which is open free to visitors through May 16 at the University of Hartford's Museum of American Political Life, is about much more than historic pages of scrawl, though. It's about the people who poured their passions out on paper, expressing their ideas about life, war, freedom and the future.
Highlights of the exhibit of more than 60 documents include the Voting Record of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, the 1803 Louisiana Purchase Treaty, Thomas Edison's 1879 incandescent light bulb patent application, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's D-day Order from 1944, the German surrender at the end of World War II and John F. Kennedy's handwritten draft of his 1961 inaugural address.
Less profound but equally intriguing documents on display include the 1871 order to arrest Wyatt Earp for "larceny in the Indian Country," the 1872 order to arrest Susan B. Anthony for "illegal voting," John Wayne's 1943 application for a commission with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) and a 1945 letter from President Harry S. Truman to Bess Truman, describing the White House "ghosts."
Those who visit the exhibition during the four-day period from March 25 through 28 are in for an extra treat. Abraham Lincoln's original Emancipation Proclamation, which ended slavery in 1863 in the midst of the nation's bloody Civil War, will make a rare appearance. It is seldom on public view due to its fragile condition. Admission during this time is still free, but you must reserve tickets by calling (860) 768-4228 or toll free, 800 247-7587.
The University of Hartford will host a number of gallery talks and special events in conjunction with "American Originals." A complete of scheduled events is available at the university's Web site.
During the exhibition, visitors to the Museum of American Political Life will also have the opportunity to view a complementary exhibit titled "Connecticut Originals" featuring state inventions, such as the first reel-type hand lawn mower, and other artifacts, such as Katharine Hepburn's first Oscar. Select political memorabilia from the museum's own collection is also currently on display.
The "American Originals" traveling exhibition was created by the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C., and The Foundation for the National Archives. Documents were selected from the vast holdings of the National Archives, which preserves records of the United States government that have permanent value.
United Technologies Corp. is the major underwriter for the exhibition's Hartford installation.
What You Need to Know About "American Originals"
Dates: February 6 through May 16, 2004.
Location: The Museum of American Political Life at the Harry Jack Gray Center at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, Connecticut. are available at the university's Web site.
Parking: Free parking is available in the K-Visitor Lot.
Admission: Free.
Hours: Exhibition hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Extended hours will be offered as follows while the Emancipation Proclamation is on display: March 25 and 28 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and March 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Group Tours: Group visits may be arranged by completing an or by calling (860) 768-4089. Advance reservations are required for all groups of 15 or more.
For More Information: Call (860) 768-4089.
