Charters of Freedom display inches forward

Vicki Hyatt, The Mountaineer, Waynesville, N.C.
·2 min read

Jul. 6—CANTON — While the permanent display of the nation's founding documents weren't ready in time for Independence Day, the Charters of Freedom concrete slabs in Canton will soon have more to show.

Don Ramsey, construction manager for the Valdese-based nonprofit Foundation Forward, said the next level of concrete will be poured as soon as the weather clears.

"We're in the process of inking and cleaning the documents," Ramsey said.

The display on the concrete pillars in front of the Canton Area Historical Museum in downtown Canton will feature The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Civil Rights amendments. Once the concrete pillar is poured, it will take a few days to assemble the trays and caps, Ramsey said, and the finishing touches will be to find a brick mason and get the lighting up.

Mike Wood, a Canton resident who has been dubbed the "champion" for the local document display, said there will be opportunities for local residents to have their name or the name of their business on a paver for the display.

"The Charters Of Freedom setting will be built to last for many years to come," Wood said. "This will be a wonderful, powerful and patriotic way to have a long-lasting impact for our Canton community and Haywood County."

Foundation Forward organizers have asked communities where the Charters of Freedom have been erected to come up with between $35,000 and $50,000 to "pay it forward," so the next town will be able to erect a display.

"Those who donate will be permanently recognized in the setting for sharing these incredible documents with future generations. This can be a truly special legacy for you and your family, your business and our Canton community," he said.

For more information on donating, contact Wood by email at mgw1238@gmail.com.

Foundation Forward also has an educational component where public presentations are offered at county events, in the schools and on a website. David Streater, who once lived in Canton, is the education director for the organization and provides monthly information articles on the nation's history in each community where a Charters of Freedom display is located. Look for his articles on the Viewpoint page of The Mountaineer.

Canton joins numerous other WNC communities where Foundation Forward has installed Charters of Freedom displays, including Sylva, Bryson City, Franklin, Murphy, Hayesville, Hendersonville, Asheville, Burnsville and Morganton.