Freedom Shrine’s Purpose

The Freedom Shrine originated from the Freedom Train. This train toured the nation in 1947carrying an exhibit of famous “documents of liberty” such as the United States Constitutionand Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The tour was conceived to give Americans the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of American citizenship. The documents included were carefully chosen to exemplify the beginnings of our nation and the subsequent important United States turning points.

Freedom Shrines Across the World

Thousands of Freedom Shrines have been dedicated throughout the United States and Puerto Rico in universities, libraries, schools, state capitals, city halls and at American outposts scattered throughout the world. The documents have been reproduced and permanently laminated to individual plaques. They are used by teachers, students, and other groups to study American history.