Beinecke Library Displays Historic 'Unfurling Flag' Broadside

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On the evening of July 4, 1776, Irish immigrant printer John Dunlap worked late into the night setting type, correcting proofs, and churning out 200 broadsides bearing the text of the newly approved Declaration of Independence. These 'Dunlap broadsides' were quickly distributed throughout the thirteen colonies, where they were read aloud in town squares and reprinted in newspapers, marking a pivotal moment in the founding of the United States.

Why it matters

The Dunlap broadside on display at Yale's Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is one of only 26 known surviving copies of this historic document, making it an incredibly rare and valuable artifact from the American Revolution. As a tangible link to the birth of the nation, the broadside provides a window into the dramatic events and emotions of that fateful Fourth of July.

The details

Dunlap, a 29-year-old printer, was tasked with rapidly producing the first printed versions of the Declaration of Independence just hours after it was approved by the Second Continental Congress. These broadsides, measuring approximately 15 by 20 inches, were then distributed to the thirteen colonies, where they were read aloud in public squares and reprinted in newspapers, helping to galvanize support for the revolutionary cause.

• On the evening of July 4, 1776, Dunlap printed the 200 broadsides.
• The broadsides were quickly distributed throughout the thirteen colonies.

What’s next

The Beinecke Library's exhibition of the rare Dunlap broadside will run through the end of 2026, providing visitors a unique opportunity to see this historic document in person.