Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos Marks 250th Anniversary with Program on Rare Copy of Declaration of Independence

Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos Marks 250th Anniversary with Program on Rare Copy of Declaration of Independence 

As part of the Office’s celebration of the 250th anniversary, employees and members of the public learned how preserved records connect our nation’s founding principles to the institutions that serve the public today.


COOK COUNTY – Recently, the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, under the leadership of Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos[RC1] , hosted an educational program highlighting the Chicago History Museum’s rare print of the Declaration of Independence.

The presentation explored the history of one of only 26 known surviving copies of the original printed Declaration of Independence, produced by Philadelphia printer John Dunlap. Known as the Dunlap Broadside, this historic copy was printed on the evening of July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia.

“This rare copy of the Declaration of Independence reminds us why records matter,” said Clerk Mariyana T. Spyropoulos. “They preserve our history, reflect our ideals and help connect each generation to the principles our institutions are entrusted to uphold. As keeper of the record, the Clerk’s Office is proud to carry that responsibility forward in service of transparency, justice and public trust.”

Eric Miller, Development Coordinator at the Chicago History Museum, led the program, which was attended by members of the Clerk’s Office and streamed live to the public. Attendees learned about the document’s remarkable journey from Philadelphia to Chicago. The Chicago History Museum, the third owner of the document, has cared for it for the past 50 years.

The discussion offered an engaging and informative look at the document’s history and its lasting importance. For the Clerk’s Office, the program also underscored a responsibility at the heart of its work: preserving the record. From historic documents that tell the story of our nation to the court records that affect people’s lives every day, records ensure transparency, accountability and public trust. As keeper of the record for the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Office remains committed to protecting that trust in service of a fair and just society.

 
 
 

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