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This Independence Day, Salvatore Dali and Auguste Rodin will share space with Thomas Jefferson at 2941 Restaurant. We are celebrating the Fourth of July by displaying two examples of the Declaration of Independence. These rare documents are on exhibit for our patrons Friday, July 3, for regularly scheduled lunch and dinner hours and from 11 am – 8 pm on Sunday, July 5, 2009.
The Declaration of Independence is one of the nation's most cherished symbols of liberty and Jefferson's most enduring monument. Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson expressed the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people. The Declaration outlined the Colonies grievances against the King and justified the revolutionary acts of the Continental Congress. The first copy of the Declaration of Independence was from the Philadelphia press of John Dunlap in 1776 during the night of July 4th. Copies of the Declaration were broadsides, or sheets of paper printed on one side, that were meant to be read before church congregations, troops or other groups as a way of disseminating the news.
Broadside of the Declaration of Independence
Following the Philadelphia Dunlap broadside, copies of the Declaration were run off presses throughout the Colonies, appearing in at least 29 newspapers and 14 broadsides (all extremely rare). This example, by journeyman printer Ezekiel Russell, is from Salem, Massachusetts, one of only 12 known examples, most them being housed in public institutions. (pictured, left)
William J. Stone Engraving of 1823
Commissioned by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams for the official printing, the Washington, D.C. engraver Stone is thought by some to have made a direct "wet transfer" from the deteriorating original. One of only three known proofs of this copy, taken directly from the already deteriorating original. The engraving, with the text as well as the signatures of the Continental Congress [to contrast the Salem one which does not have them], is thought to be a trial paper proof, struck from the original plate, before Stone printed the limited run of 200 copies on parchment. (pictured, top)
In the spirit of the holiday, Executive Chef Bertrand Chemel will create a special three-course Prix-Fixe menu priced at $58 per person for Sunday, July 5th. Sommelier Stefano Cappelli, who has been focusing on domestically grown vintages, will complement Chef Chemel’s modern French American menu with an expanded selection of notable Virginia wines, including a sparkling Chardonnay from Kluge winery and a red Bordeaux blend from Octagon, a Barboursville winery.
Reservations are now available, please call 703-270-1500.
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