Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on Display Now Through June 16 | Eastern NC Now

    For Immediate Release:

    The North Carolina Museum of History showcases one of America's most significant documents

    Raleigh, NC     Governor Pat McCrory released the following statement today on the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which is on display at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh through June 16:

    "The words in the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation forever altered the state of our nation," Governor Pat McCrory said. "It's an honor North Carolina can host the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation just steps from the capitol. Access to this important part of American history enriches our knowledge of the contributions of the descendants of former slaves and focuses us on the success in our collective future."

    Signed by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862, the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation ordered that in 100 days, the federal government would free all slaves in the states still rebelling against the Union. The document formally alerted the Confederacy of Lincoln's intention. On January 1, 1863, with the Confederacy still in full rebellion, the president issued the final Emancipation Proclamation.

    The Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation is currently on loan from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The document is part of the Freedom Coming, Freedom for All exhibit and is on display at the North Carolina Museum of History now through June 16, 2013.

    "As a milestone on the path to slavery's final abolishment, the Emancipation Proclamation has assumed a place among the great documents of human freedom," said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. "We are honored to share this official Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation for the exhibit Freedom Coming, Freedom for All at the North Carolina Museum of History."

    Governor Pat McCrory recently issued a proclamation honoring the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Click here to view and download a copy of the proclamation.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman     govpress@nc.gov