Replica of the Declaration of Independence Brings History to Life in Rugby

The Heart of America Library in Rugby, North Dakota is one of six communities across the U.S. chosen to display a replica of the Declaration of Independence.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Heart of America Library in Rugby, North Dakota has been selected as one of six locations across the country to display a temporary replica of the Declaration of Independence, in celebration of America's 250th birthday. The replica, provided by Crayola and the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE), is helping local fourth-grade students learn about and engage with this important historical document.

Why it matters

This display provides a unique opportunity for the community of Rugby to connect with and deepen their understanding of U.S. history, as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. By bringing this iconic document to a small town, the exhibit aims to make history more accessible and engaging for students and residents alike.

The details

The replica of the Declaration of Independence arrived last week inside a custom Crayola shipping crate. The library will have the display until July 7, giving local fourth-grade students and other visitors a chance to see and learn about the document up close. Fourth-grade teacher Kristen Heilman is incorporating the replica into her lessons, allowing students to reinforce what they've learned by seeing the actual document.

  • The replica of the Declaration of Independence arrived at the Heart of America Library last week.
  • The library will have the display until July 7, 2026.

The players

Heart of America Library

A public library located in Rugby, North Dakota, which was selected as one of six locations across the country to host a temporary display of a replica of the Declaration of Independence.

Crayola

A company that partnered with the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE) to provide the replica of the Declaration of Independence and the custom shipping crate for the display.

Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE)

A non-profit organization that collaborated with Crayola to distribute replicas of the Declaration of Independence to six communities across the United States in celebration of the nation's 250th birthday.

Kristen Heilman

A fourth-grade teacher in Rugby, North Dakota who is incorporating the replica of the Declaration of Independence into her history lessons.

Aubryn Migler

A fourth-grade student in Rugby, North Dakota who is getting a firsthand look at the replica of the Declaration of Independence.

Evan Thiel

A fourth-grade student in Rugby, North Dakota who understands the importance of learning about the country's history.

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What they’re saying

“Learning about them and what they did and stuff.”

— Aubryn Migler, Fourth-grade student (KMOT)

“Came across a newsletter about Crayola wanting to celebrate creative freedom, I thought, you know, let's go ahead, so I dropped our name in the bucket.”

— Mandie Medalen, Heart of America Library Director (KMOT)

“We've read it all, the whole book. We'll come back here, and they'll get to see it again, so it really makes a concrete example for them.”

— Kristen Heilman, Fourth-grade teacher (KMOT)

“So, we can pass it down and keep our country's history down.”

— Evan Thiel, Fourth-grade student (KMOT)

What’s next

The library will continue to host the replica of the Declaration of Independence until July 7, 2026, providing opportunities for the community of Rugby to engage with and learn about this important historical document.

The takeaway

By bringing a replica of the Declaration of Independence to the small town of Rugby, North Dakota, the Heart of America Library is helping to make U.S. history more accessible and engaging for students and residents, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country's founding principles as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.