In order to protect the document from light, a rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation only comes out on special occasions for viewing. Juneteenth is one of those occasions, says Chris Wills with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.  Wills says Juneteenth is all about the end of slavery and the nation turning away from that terrible chapter in the past, and the Emancipation Proclamation was central to that happening.  He adds that it is wonderful that Illinois has a signed copy of the proclamation and is able to share it with the public.
The document will be on display at the presidential library June 19th through the 23rd and June 26th through the 30th. An online and interactive version of the proclamation will be available at the ALPLM’s website starting June 19th.