Declaration Of Independence Copy Visits SD

SAN DIEGO -- On July 4, 1776, 200 copies of the Declaration of Independence were printed.

Only 25 remain. The only traveling copy is now at the Midway museum, just in time for Independence Day.

It was in a safe, inside a case put into a frame.

It begins with “In Congress, July 4, 1776. A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America in general congress assembled.”

“When you're in the presence of this, you really feel the history of this country, because this is a living, breathing document,” said Marc Morgenstern.

“You feel you are in the presence of history. You hear the echoes of Jefferson and Adams and Franklin, and it can’t help but move you, no matter how many times you see it,” said Morgenstern.

The story behind this particular document is that it was found in the back of a picture frame that sold at a flea-market for $4. TV Producer, Normal Lear later bought it at auction for $8.1 million.

But can you put a price on what some call America's birth certificate?

People look at it and they are moved.

“I thought it was incredible,” said one man.

“Oh, I think it was once in a lifetime for us,” said a woman.

“Oh, I just thought it was awesome,” said another,”

The Declaration will be on display at the Midway museum from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

It will be at the new Children's museum on Saturday.