DEARBORN, MI.- In a special two-day, once-in-a-lifetime event, The Henry Ford is displaying the original Emancipation Proclamation in the Discovering the Civil War exhibit on display in Henry Ford Museum. The museum will remain open around the clock until 6 a.m., June 22. This scheduled appearance marks the first time since 1948 that the Emancipation Proclamation was last displayed in Michigan. Admission to this public showing in Henry Ford Museum from June 20-22 is free.

“It is truly both an honor and privilege to be able to have this precious document on display for everyone to view,” said Patricia E. Mooradian, president of The Henry Ford. “This is one of our most treasured pieces of American history and Henry Ford Museum, with our With Liberty and Justice For All exhibition just steps away, provides the perfect setting for this emotionally-stirring event.”

For this special viewing, The Henry Ford has put on a series of recitations, musical performances and other presentations, including a re-creation of a Civil War encampment to be erected on Henry Ford Museum’s front lawn.

The Emancipation Proclamation issued on September 22, 1862, by President Lincoln, became effective on Jan 1, 1863, and formally proclaimed the freedom of all slaves. This document invited black men to join the Union Army and Navy, resulting in the enlistment of approximately 200,000 freed slaves and free black people before the War's end.

Discovering the Civil War, the most extensive display of Civil War records ever assembled from the incomparable holdings of the National Archives, presents little-known stories, seldom-seen documents and unusual perspectives in celebration of 150th anniversary of the Civil War. It gives visitors the chance to walk in the shoes of researchers in unlocking secrets, solving mysteries and uncovering unexpected events from one of the most pivotal points in our history. The exhibit, displayed in Henry Ford Museum, runs until September 5, 2011.