Jefferson's Deleted Slave Trade Text | New York City News

New York City News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 2, 2026 · 1m

A rare, handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence—penned by Thomas Jefferson himself—is on display at the New York Public Library, revealing a deleted passage condemning the slave trade that was removed before ratification. This “fair copy” offers a raw glimpse into Jefferson’s original vision, making it a powerful artifact amid the library’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Ticketed visitors can witness the tangible handwriting of a founding father, reminding us that history lives in these surviving documents—complex, contested, and profoundly human. Listen in comfort:Get a…