Brooklyn Historical Society has one of the rare signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation as part of its permanent collection. Hear a discussion at BHS on Wednesday about its continued cultural impact 150 years after its signing. Photo: BHS
Few documents hold as much historical significance to this country as the Emancipation Proclamation. It ranks right up there with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution in terms of cultural importance. The originals of all three documents reside at the National Archives in Washington D.C., but the Brooklyn Historical Society has a rare copy of the executive order issued by President Lincoln during the Civil War, freeing the country’s remaining slaves in the Confederate states and signed by the 16th president himself. It’s a prized addition to its collection of historic artifacts and will be the topic of a discussion on Dec. 4 between Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Eric Foner and BHS public historian Julie Golia. Foner and Golia will examine how this polemic piece of parchment has affected our society in the 150 years since its signing on Jan. 1, 1863–coincidently BHS is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year as well. The conversation starts at 6:30pm, and you can register for your free tickets here.
