Tiverton Public Library is honored to be one of only three libraries and three schools nationwide selected to host a replica of the 1823 William J. Stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence, thanks to the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE) and Crayola Learning. The exhibition is part of FAPE and Crayola’s “Creative Freedom” initiative, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States and the signing of this historic document.
The FAPE replica, a generous gift from David M. Rubenstein in 2013, one for each U.S. embassy around the world, will be on public display at the library through July 7, 2026. Crayola also generously donated over $2,500 of art supplies to the library for our 250th Anniversary programs.
Crozier Fine Arts delivered and installed the Declaration on Thursday, February 19, 2026, and the library hosted a series of events that February vacation week to celebrate. Children created their own tricorn hats to wear as they greeted the arrival of the Declaration. Patrons of all ages stopped by our public computer stations to digitally sign the Declaration on the National Archives website. Representatives from Crozier Fine Arts gave a talk on art installation techniques, with some unique examples. Library patrons of all ages created a paper doll of themselves using Crayola products and then added themselves to a copy of the mural by Barry Faulkner depicting the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which is on display above the Declaration in the rotunda of the National Archives. And John Adams (portrayed by Michael Lepage) visited the library on Saturday, February 21st, to share reflections on drafting and signing the Declaration of Independence.
For 40 years, the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies has been the public-private partnership dedicated to providing permanent works of American art for U.S. embassies worldwide. All artworks commissioned or placed by FAPE are by American artists and are gifts, representing the generosity and patriotism of some of the United States’ greatest artists and donors. FAPE has raised more than $215 million in art and monetary contributions, and works by more than 250 preeminent American artists have been placed in over 140 countries. Bank of America has been FAPE’s official sponsor since 2011. https://www.fapeculturaldiplomacy.org
Crayola fosters creativity in classrooms and beyond by partnering with educators to help children make their thinking visible. Crayola offers resources for transforming learning through engagement, collaboration, and creativity. For more than 10 years, Crayola Learning has been an educational partner of FAPE, incorporating art from the Collection into educational resources for students and teachers. Through this project, Crayola has developed thinking sheets to help students express what freedom means to them. https://www.crayola.com/learning
Crozier is the global leader of art logistics and services. For this project, they have created a custom crate and will oversee the installation of each Declaration of Independence. Additionally, students are invited to observe the installation and engage with the Crozier team, learning about art logistics as a career option as well as professions in museum services and cultural preservation. https://www.crozierfinearts.com
The mission of Tiverton Public Library is to be an essential resource for personal growth and community enrichment. Our programs, services, and collections serve the personal and professional needs and interests of individuals, groups, and organizations. As a vital part of the Town, our modern library services enhance the educational, cultural, social, and economic well-being of the community. https://tivertonlibrary.org/
