CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – A line extended well into the corridor of the West Lawn waiting to get into the building and up the stairs to the Rotunda Room for at look at one of the two original copies of the Declaration of Independence the University’s creator, Thomas Jefferson, wrote.

The document, found in an attic in Albany, NY in 1955, is one of 26 remaining copies of 200 sent to the colonies from a Philadelphia printing press to alert them of its existence.

A-month-and-a-half into his new job, the event was the first major public-facing appearance for University President Scott Beardsley.

“We continue to pursue what Jefferson called the illimitable freedom of the human mind, the freedom to inquire, to learn, and to contribute to the common good,” Beardsley told an exhibit-opening gathering.

A number of speakers read excerpts of other great speeches delivered in our nation, readers including UVA football placekicker Will Bettridge, Karsh Institute scholar Lauren Duvall, Rotunda Director Sheri Winston, 5th District Congressman John McGuire, and Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade.

Two of the University’s iconic symbols made cameos, Thomas Jefferson and Cavman, with whom attendees posed with selfies.

Festivities were held throughout the afternoon until 5 p.m. and librarians were there to answer questions during the event.