National Archives unveils fortified display case for Magna Carta

[alp227]

The only original copy of the Magna Carta in private hands worldwide has a fancy new display case at the National Archives, where the document goes on display next month.

"This 700-year-old document looks better than ever," said David Ferriero, the archivist of the United States. He said Thursday that the handwritten, fragile parchment will be unveiled February 17.

The owner of the display copy was also at Thursday's preview. David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group investment company, said, "it is my privilege as an American to be able to give this back to the Archives and let them preserve it, as they have done, and to let them display it as they are going to do."

After an initial presentation to the public in 2008, when Rubenstein got the document at a Sotheby's auction for more than $20 million, it was taken off display for replacement of the old, unappealing box made out of aluminum and glass, with a green fabric liner.

full: http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/02/us/national-archives-magna-carta/index.html

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Hope I get to see this!

Historical manuscripts (or other items) just give me the shivers!

I'm glad this is getting a new home that will preserve its glory.

[elleng]

2. Will go with you, CalPeg, if you get here!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Oh, cool, my dear elleng!

That would certainly be fun!

[burrowowl]

4. In honor of the new display

habeas corpus should be reinstated in the US of A

[The Second Stone]

14. Whoa! Let's not get carried away!

It's just a piece of paper, like the other documents in the National Archives.


(I'm being sarcastic.)

[kestrel91316]

5. I certainly hope We the Taxpayers aren't footing the bill for the fancy box and

all the necessary security for this PRIVATELY OWNED document. Rubenstein has more money than God. If he gave it into the National Archives' hands without paying for that, he gave us a white elephant.

But I suppose we are probably footing the entire bill. Welfare for Rubenstein.

[Tx4obama]

6. Whoa ...

Rubenstein has been giving tons of money ...

See article on the link below

Billionaire philanthropist Rubenstein to give millions to help fix Washington Monument
http://www.democraticunderground.com/101428722

From the link above
$7.5 million to help fix the shuttered, earthquake-damaged Washington Monument
$4.5 million to the National Zoo’s cash-strapped giant panda program
$13.5 million gift to the National Archives

p.s. Looks like he has paid enough to cover the cost of the 'box'

[IndyJones]

7. Wow, that's very cool. Thanks for posting that!

[Tx4obama]

8. You're welcome :) n/t

[kestrel91316]

10. Well then I guess it's ok. But you get my point. Rich folks get more

welfare and financial consideration then poor folks by far in this country.

[ret5hd]

9. Seems apt the co-founder of the carlyle group own the magna carta...

seeing as they seem to think they own the u.s. constitution also.

[sofa king]

13. Too much irony to lift.

I wonder if Poppy and Osama's brother were looking it over while watching the plane crash into the Pentagon.

Edit: Oh yes, they did.

[Gman]

11. The Carlyle Group

kinda spoils it. Nevertheless, the document is truly ageless and ownerless. It is one for the ages.

[carla]

12. In other news;

the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence will now be displayed in a toilet shaped display case..."The 200+ year old document never looked so shitty" said the national archivist...It is felt the new display case better expresses the views of the nations leadership class.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

15. Ironically

the Magna Carta was all about the 1%, as it existed then, too.................

[Evasporque]

16. They were going to shred and eat it...

At the next Carlyle Group Board meeting....but when they found they got a huge tax cut they changed their minds..