For the people: Finding the founders’ words, far from Washington – ShareAmerica

As the calendar turns, Americans will begin a yearlong celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

In Washington, the National Archives is exhibiting The American Story, a showcase of rare copies of the country’s founding documents, including George Washington’s copy of the Constitution and an 1823 stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence.

Years earlier, when North Carolina entrepreneur Vance Patterson visited the Archives and first saw the U.S. Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights side by side, he was awestruck. Known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, the three documents lay out the U.S. system of governance and the individual rights of all Americans.

It was there in Washington, some 15 years ago, that Patterson realized more Americans might want to experience the majesty of these texts without having to travel to the nation’s capital.

Patterson, determined to bring this idea to life, launched the nonprofit Foundation Forward Incorporated. His organization designs and erects displays that showcase the Founding Fathers’ vision for our nation from 250 years ago. The exact words of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights are etched on 30-kilogram (66 pound) bronze tablets and displayed under weatherproof glass.

Foundation Forward works with community leaders to choose installation sites in parks and town centers. So far, they have raised displays in about 80 communities together, including at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California; the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis; and in President Jimmy Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Patterson says U.S. military veterans are often speechless when visiting a Foundation Forward site, commending the displays as reminders of the freedoms they fought to defend. To date, 17 states have these installations available to teachers as resources for their history lessons.

And many more generations of teachers and students will rely upon them. Each structure is designed to last up to 500 years.