Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The George W. Bush Presidential Center announced the opening of the Freedom Matters exhibit.

Freedom Matters features historical documents and artifacts that were used to inform citizens during that time before mass media. The exhibit will include rare versions of the Declaration of Independence, the Consitution of the United States, and the Emancipation Proclamation, as well as books by various philosophers including John Locke and Jean- Jacques Rousseau  and a 14- century copy of the Magna Carta.

The exhibit, made possible, in part, through the generosity of the Harlan Crow Library and David Rubstien, leads visitors in an interactive journey through the American Experiment — demonstrating how the United States has sought to live up to the ideals articulated in the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents. It will also showcase case studies through moments in history, including the creation of the United States, the Civil War and Reconstruction, women’s suffrage, the Indian Citizenship Act, Japanese American incarceration during World War II, the Civil and Voting Rights Acts, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and marriage equality.  Also, topics including where freedom comes from, what it means, the characteristics of free societies, and the role of the individual in protecting and spreading freedom around the world.  

“The Freedom Matters exhibit will be a real treat for our visitors,” said Ken Hersh, Bush Center CEO and President. “Thanks to Harlan and David for opening their private collections of historic documents and artifacts for our audiences. The Bush Center is honored to celebrate democracy and fundamental freedoms. I can think of no better way to commemorate the Bush Center’s tenth anniversary than with a tribute to our Nation’s foundational values.”

Freedom Matters will open to the public on Mar. 1 and will remain open through Dec. 31. Admission is included with the purchase of a ticket to visit the Bush Center’s permanent exhibit, which includes steel from the World Trade Center and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office.

The exhibit’s opening coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.