LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.- For the first time ever, 25 documents that forever changed the course of American history will be on view together in Los Angeles when the exhibition “American Originals: Treasures from the National Archives” arrives at the Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St. in downtown, from October 4, 2003 – January 4, 2004. This will be the only West Coast stop.

The Emancipation Proclamation is a highlight of the exhibit, but because of the fragile nature of this priceless document, it will be on view for only four days, December 5 – 8.

The documents in the exhibit were selected from the National Archives’ collection of over 4 billion documents and they rarely travel outside Washington, D.C. Visitors can view handwritten notes from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, Thomas Edison’s patent application for the electric lamp, the World War II surrender of German forces and the Louisiana Purchase Treaty.

“I’m proud that Los Angeles has been chosen as the only city on the west coast to display the American Originals exhibit,” said Mayor Jim Hahn. “From our city’s early beginning at El Pueblo to our growth into the nation’s second largest city, Los Angeles has defined itself through its pioneering spirit, progress and growth. We are honored to host a collection that represents some of the most significant and defining moments in our nation’s history.”

The exhibit also features Benedict Arnold’s letter to George Washington following his betrayal of the American cause, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the official voting record of the Constitutional Convention.

The American Originals documents began their tour in the fall of 2001 when the National Archives building in Washington, D.C. closed its doors for renovations. Eight host cities were selected throughout the United States, including, New York, Chicago, Columbus, Atlanta, Kansas City, San Antonio, Los Angeles and Hartford.

Eight core documents travel to each of the selected cities, however, the remaining 17 documents are a unique composition. The exhibition is tailored to each region and visitors to the Central Library will be treated to Levi Strauss’ complaint for infringement of his patent and President Ronald Reagan’s handwritten draft of his 1985 inaugural address.

“The library is proud to offer everyone in Los Angeles the opportunity to come face to face with the documents that charted the course of American history,” said City Librarian Susan Kent. “The rich collection of books and other materials at the library provides a great opportunity to learn more about these documents and how they have shaped our lives.”

“The Central Library has developed a wonderful selection of programming to support American Originals,” said Library Foundation Chair John Cooke. “All of our visitors will be pleased by the ways in which the entire family can enjoy this exhibit.”

Among other events, are a Family Festival on Saturday, October 25 and various author talks in October and November.

The exhibit is open daily during regular library hours and is free to the public. A limited number of guided tours are available for schools and community groups.

“I am thrilled that the Los Angeles Central Library has been chosen to host this exhibit. It is one of our city’s true treasures,” said City Councilwoman Jan Perry. “All of our residents and visitors should see American Originals and experience all downtown has to offer.”

American Originals was created by the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. and The Foundation for the National Archives. The Los Angeles presentation is made possible by The Annenberg Foundation and Farmers Insurance Group. Additional support is generously provided by The Ahmanson Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, O’Melveny & Myers, Washington Mutual, Sterling Foundation, Jane Eisner, Roth Family Foundation, MaryLou & George Boone and Smith Barney. Promotional support is provided by Time Warner Cable, Comcast, and KKJZ, the Los Angeles Public Library’s Official Jazz Radio Partner. Special thanks to the Library Foundation of Los Angeles for raising the necessary private funds to bring this exhibition to Southern California.