National Archives Probes 100-Year-Old Handprint on Declaration of Independence
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 28
National Archives Probes 100-Year-Old Handprint on Declaration of Independence
1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jun 28
Summary
Jessie Kratz, a National Archives historian, is trying to identify a handprint that appeared on the Declaration of Independence sometime between 1912 and 1924.
FBI fingerprint records could help solve the mystery, but Kratz said the print may be too unclear unless archivists can produce better imaging.
The 250-year-old parchment was already badly weakened by earlier handling, including an 1820 copying process that lifted ink, plus decades of sunlight, smoke, heat and humidity.
Its damage also reflects a turbulent history: the document was repeatedly rolled and moved, hidden in Virginia during the War of 1812, and later sent to Fort Knox during World War II.
Now sealed in a tightly controlled National Archives case, the faded Declaration remains both a preservation challenge and a central symbol of U.S. ideals.
With the FBI's help, will the 250th anniversary finally solve the mystery of who left a handprint on the Declaration of Independence?
Beyond a symbol of freedom, how did the Declaration function as a declaration of war to secure critical foreign allies?
The Declaration of Independence’s Century-Old Handprint: Renewed Investigation and Preservation Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary
Overview
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the National Archives has launched a renewed investigation into the century-old handprint found on the original document. This effort reflects a deep appreciation for what remains of the Declaration's original ink and a strong commitment to understanding its complete physical history. The investigation is part of a broader initiative to fully comprehend the document's journey and legacy, recognizing that its physical imperfections, like the mysterious handprint, tell an important story about America's past and the enduring resilience of both the document and the nation it helped create.