PHILADELPHIA, PA.-PRNewswire - Producer Norman Lear is lending a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, printed on the night of July 4, 1776, to the National Constitution Center for Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 27-Monday, May 30. The Declaration of Independence will be officially unveiled on Friday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m. by Constitution Center President Richard Stengel and renowned historian David McCullough, who is featured that morning in a special program about his new book, 1776.

This original Dunlap broadside version of the document (one of only 25 in the world) is mounted on a silver scroll platform and flanked by five, colorful, self-standing panels that explain the history and exemplify the major principals of the document. There is also a companion video featuring a dramatic reading of the document by distinguished actors, including Mel Gibson, Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, Whoopi Goldberg, and Kevin Spacey.

The exhibit will be displayed in the Constitution Center's DeVos Exhibit Hall. Visitors can see the Declaration for free with their regular museum admission ticket.

"This dynamic exhibit fits in perfectly with the National Constitution Center's mission as an interactive museum dedicated to educating people about the Constitution and inspiring them to participate in our system of government," says Stengel. Norman Lear purchased this document so that it could be shared with the public in a contemporary way that would spark citizen involvement. The two entities combining for this weekend is a perfect union of education, inspiration and engagement."