The engrossed parchment of the Declaration of Independence

The original engrossed parchment copy of the Declaration of Independence, dated 1776 and bearing many signatures of the Continental Congress, is housed and displayed in the Rotunda of the National Archives. This single, authoritative parchment is preserved under controlled conditions and presented behind protective glass for public viewing. Printed Dunlap broadsides from 1776 are copies distinct from this original engrossed document.