Reservations are required to view the original Emancipation Proclamation, on display Sept. 22-25 at the Clinton Center in Little Rock. This highly-anticipated viewing coincides with the 50th Anniversary celebration of the desegregation of Little Rock's Central High School.


(Tuesday, July 31, 2007 - Little Rock, AR) After months of anticipation, the ticket reservation process for the Emancipation Proclamation will open Wednesday, August 1. People may reserve their place to view one of our nation's most treasured documents by calling a special reservation line: 501 244-2856.

The National Archives and Records Administration and the Clinton Foundation are working to maximize the viewing opportunity for those who wish to see it.

“We have been working together for months to streamline the reservation and viewing process,” said Denise Persons, spokesperson for the Clinton Library. We hope people will take advantage of this great opportunity.”

Due to the fragile nature of the document, the National Archives is allowing it to be displayed for four days only. However, the Clinton Center hours have been extended to accommodate as many people as possible, allowing many people the option of viewing the document after traditional work hours.

Extended hours are as follows:
Saturday, September 22 and Sunday, September 23 – 10:00 am-10:00 pm
Monday, September 24 – 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuesday, September 25 – 10:00 am-10:00 pm

The cost to view the exhibit is included in the regular price of admission to the Clinton Center.

“It is our hope that people of all ages will have the chance to see this treasured document,” stated Jordan Johnson, spokesperson for the Clinton Foundation. “ We encourage those individuals, school groups and others who are interested to call and reserve their ticket.”

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of the bloody civil war. The proclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves “ within the rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.”

The funding to transport and display the document was generously provided by the William J. Clinton Foundation.

This document will be part of a larger exhibit called “The Long Struggle”, opening September 8 at the Clinton Center. This exhibit will include an historical collection of documents and artifacts that examine the actions and influences of U.S. Presidents on civil rights issues during a 100 year period beginning with President Lincoln and going through the major milestones of the civil rights movement during the 20th century.

The Clinton Museum store is proud to honor “The Long Struggle” by offering a unique collection of books and collectibles. www.clintonmuseumstore.com


For more information, visit www.clintonfoundation.org or www.clintonlibrary.gov.

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