Texas Declaration Goes on Rare Display

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The original copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence is getting a new home for a now rare public appearance.

Brittle, fading and suffering the ravages of exposure to light, the document goes on display starting this week in the Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building in Austin.

The library, across the street from the Texas Capitol, is finishing a renovation that includes cabinetry specifically designed to exhibit aging documents such as the declaration and William Barrett Travis’ famous letter from the besieged Alamo that pleads for help but promises no surrender.

The declaration, which founded the Republic of Texas in 1836, will still go on display periodically but only temporarily. The current exhibit likely will run through San Jacinto Day in late April.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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