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Thirteenth Amendment Opens to Public at National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

CINCINNATI, OH – The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center announced today the exhibition of a rare, handwritten copy of the Thirteenth Amendment—the federal law, passed on January 31, 1865, abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude except for punishment of a crime—will open to the public on Friday, January 15, 2016. The announcement comes on the 153rd anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, currently on exhibit, and as a Watch Night program commemorating ‘Freedom’s Eve’ is scheduled in the Harriet Tubman Theater at 11:00 a.m. today.

Both the Emancipation Proclamation and Thirteenth Amendment are on loan from David Rubenstein, managing director of The Carlyle Group. Mr. Rubenstein, who was recently profiled for his “patriotic philanthropy” on television program 60 Minutes, personally selected the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center as the temporary home for two rare, historical freedom documents from his collection.

“The Emancipation Proclamation and Thirteenth Amendment changed the course of our nation,” says Dr. Clarence G. Newsome, president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. “David has entrusted us not only with the care of these rare documents but as stewards of this historical narrative, and we are honored to have this rare opportunity to exhibit these historic freedom documents side-by-side.”

The Thirteenth Amendment will be on exhibit at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center beginning January 15, 2016. To learn more visit freedomcenter.org/13Amendment