Magna Carta part of historic document show

PHILADELPHIA, July 4 (UPI) -- One of four copies of the original Magna Carta, the basis of modern U.S. constitutional law, is on display at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center.

During a sneak preview of the exhibit Tuesday, children from the National Constitution Center's American Adventure Camp performed a play about the Magna Carta's history, and actor James Earl Jones recited the Declaration of Independence, the National Education Association said in a news release.

The "Magna Carta: Foundation of Freedom" exhibit, presented by NEA, is on display through July 25 as part of the National Constitution Center's exhibition, "The Story of We the People." The exhibit coincides with the center's display of the signed Emancipation Proclamation and the printing of the U.S. Constitution.

In addition, the exhibit's sponsor, Verizon Foundation, has available free educational resources on the Magna Carta and other historical documents on Thinkfinity.org, the foundation's education and literacy program.

Noting that the Magna Carta, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Constitution would be on display at the same time, National Constitution Center President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph M. Torsella said, "These three documents represent touchstones of freedom that have had a significant impact on contemporary visions of liberty."