Tiverton Public Library has been selected as one of only six locations nationwide to host a replica of the Declaration of Independence, officials announced Thursday.
The library will display a replica of the 1823 William J. Stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence from Feb. 19 through July 7 as part of the “Creative Freedom” initiative celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies and Crayola Learning chose three libraries and three schools across the country to participate in the program. The replica is one of many gifted by David M. Rubenstein in 2013, originally intended for U.S. embassies around the world.
Crozier Fine Arts will deliver and install the document in the library lobby around 11 a.m. on Feb. 19.
“Having such a powerful symbol of our nation’s founding on display reinforces the library’s role as a place where history, creativity, and civic engagement come together,” Library Director Catherine Damiani said. “We are especially excited to invite our community to experience the Declaration in an interactive way with our 250th programming for the next several months.”
The library will host a kickoff event beginning at 10 a.m. on installation day featuring activities for all ages. Visitors can watch the installation, participate in an art program inspired by Barry Faulkner’s mural depicting the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and create paper dolls of themselves using Crayola products to add to a community mural titled “We the People of 2026.”
Additional programming includes tricorn hat-making for children and an opportunity to digitally sign the Declaration through the National Archives website.
Crayola donated more than $2,500 in art supplies to the library for its 250th anniversary programs.
