This President’s Day, the University hosted an event that drew a crowd of a variety of different types of people. Students, parents, children, and Charlottesville government officials gathered around the Dome Room in the Rotunda. On that day, UVA’s own copy of the Declaration of Independence was being displayed and celebrated for Presidents’ Day. This copy of the Declaration of Independence was one of 26 rare copies. It was found in an attic in 1955 in Albany, New York, and was eventually purchased by the university. It had been stored securely and then put in the Rotunda for the celebration.
The event began with some opening remarks from University professors and administration, such as Mary Kate Cary, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Chief of Staff, and newly appointed University President Scott Beardsley. This was followed by readings of the Declaration of Independence by various members of the Charlottesville community, such as students from Charlottesville K-12 schools, professors, Juandiego Wade, Mayor of Charlottesville, and John McGuire, US Representative (VA-5). Several of the readings focused on a particular sentence, a sentence that was also a central theme on the merchandise being distributed at the event — one such item being “The best sentence ever written,” a book by Walter Isaacson.
The famous sentence is the second line in The Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Some versions of the readings included historical commentary. For example, Lauren Duval, a historian and assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma, read a version that said “All men and women are created equal.”
After the readings and a performance from the University Singers, the audience was invited to look at the display of the Declaration of Independence and also take pictures with the mascots of Thomas Jefferson and Cav Man.
When asked what he thought of the event, President Scott Beardsley went on to explain how the University is notable for being founded and governed by several US presidents — such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe — and that aspect of the University was an inspiration for the event. Mr. Beardsley circulated the event, conversing with attendees.
In total, the event lasted from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., spanning four hours. The Rotunda was crowded for the duration, with many people lined up outside to enter. After the initial speeches and performances, there were also cupcakes distributed at 2:50 p.m. — a nod to the age of the country being 250 years old this upcoming July — paired with singing America “Happy Birthday,” a faculty Jazz performance, and some informational historical seminars.
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