Benjamin Owen Tyler, a penmanship instructor in Washington, DC, issued this early reproduction of the Declaration with facsimile signatures and a statement of accuracy from the Acting Secretary of State in the bottom corner. Engraver Peter Maverick made the original copperplate after Tyler’s design and offered the reproduction either on paper or parchment. The Society’s copy, purchased by AAS's founder, is on parchment and inscribed on the verso, “Presented to the American Antiquarian Society by Isaiah Thomas Worcester Mass. June 15th, 1819, cost 6 dollars.” Gift of Isaiah Thomas.
Publication / Creation Year
1818