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The Freedom Shrine originated from the Freedom Train, which toured the nation in 1947 carrying an exhibit of 32 famous "documents of liberty." These documents, including the United States Constitution and the Gettysburg Address were carefully chosen to exemplify the beginnings of our nation and the subsequent important turning points in United States history. The Freedom Shrine documents serve as windows to America's proud past.

Over the next two years, CCPL will display all of the Freedom Shrine documents throughout the branches, and will offer book displays, book discussions, lectures and learning activities that will highlight the important role these documents have played in our history.

Freedom Shrine Upcoming Programs

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - A Living History Presentation

Eldersburg Branch Library
Saturday, July 27 at 2 PM
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For ages 11 - Adults. This summer marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream speech. In honor of this significant event, Bill Grimmette, a living history interpreter, will tell the stories and the history up to and including the dramatic issues that lead Dr. King to the podium on August 28, 1963. Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream Speech is a Freedom Shrine Document. A Celebrating America program.

Document Exhibition Timeline

All documents are available in full text at the Freedom Shrine site.

February – May, 2013

  • Benjamin Franklin's Epitaph (1776)
  • The Bill of Rights (1789)
  • The Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
  • Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address (1865)

June – August, 2013

  • The Declaration of Independence (1776)
  • The Treaty of Paris (1783)
  • U.S. Constitution's Thirteenth Amendment (1865)
  • Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)

September – November, 2013

  • The Mayflower Compact (1620)
  • The U.S. Constitution (1787)
  • The Gettysburg Address (1863)
  • Woodrow Wilson's First Inaugural Address (1913)

December – February, 2014

  • Washington's First Inaugural Address (1789)
  • Washington's Farewell Address (1796)
  • Jefferson's First Inaugural Address (1801)
  • General McAuliffe's Christmas Message (1944)

March – May, 2014

  • Franklin Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" Speech (1941)
  • German Instrument of Surrender WWII (1945)
  • John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address (1961)
  • Ronald Reagan's Speech at Brandenburg Gate (1987)

June – August, 2014

  • The Northwest Ordinance (1787)
  • The Star Spangled Banner (1814)
  • Account of Susan B. Anthony's Trial (1874)
  • Theodore Roosevelt's Letter on Cuba (1907)

September – November, 2014

  • Patrick Henry's Instructions to Clark (1778)
  • George Washington's Letter to Col. Nicola (1782)
  • The Monroe Doctrine (1823)
  • Japanese Intent to Surrender WWII (1945)

December – January, 2015

  • Andrew Jackson's Letter (1815)
  • U.S. Constitution's Nineteenth Amendment (1920)
  • General Eisenhower's Selection as Supreme Commander of Overlord (1943)