SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s original Constitution is making a rare appearance this weekend. It’ll be displayed Friday and Saturday in the rotunda at the state Capitol for the state’s 156th birthday.
The document is in fragile condition.
It’s kept in a protective, acid-free case in a darkened, controlled stack in the state archives building. It’s handled sparingly, and then only by gloved hands.
State archivist Mary Beth Herkert tells the Salem Statesman Journal she’d like to see the Constitution displayed more often, along with other important documents.
She says secure display cases cost $40,000 each, and the agency will pass the hat this weekend to kick off a fundraising effort.
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