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The clock tower of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Image by Capt. Albert E. Theberge, NOAA Corps. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

New Black Hills attraction to replicate Independence Hall

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf

The clock tower of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Image by Capt. Albert E. Theberge, NOAA Corps. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
The clock tower of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Image by Capt. Albert E. Theberge, NOAA Corps. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) – Visitors to the Black Hills of South Dakota will have another tourist attraction on the map next summer.

The Rapid City Journal reported a replica of Independence Hall in Philadelphia—the birthplace of democracy—is under construction between the Reptile Gardens and Bear Country exhibits on the way to Mount Rushmore.

The replica will house a three-dimensional sculpture that represents John Turnbull’s famous painting depicting the moment when the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Second Continental Congress.

The project’s developer, Rapid City businessman Don Perdue, has commissioned artist James Van Nuys to recreate the painting into sculpture. Van Nuys developed a multimedia approach, using fiberglass, plastic, fabric, wood and other products.

Van Nuys enlisted other artists to assist with completing the sculptures that are dressed in historically accurate clothing. The clothing is treated with acrylic and paint to transform the cloth into a sculptured canvas.

“I’ve been very fortunate in assembling a team of phenomenally talented people to help make these figures,” Van Nuys said.

Purdue said he hopes the same patriotic loyalty that brings people to Mount Rushmore will prompt visitors to stop at his display.

“Democracy is important,” Perdue said. “Patriotism is important.”

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Information from: Rapid City Journal, http://www.rapidcityjournal.com

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ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE

The clock tower of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Image by Capt. Albert E. Theberge, NOAA Corps. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
The clock tower of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Image by Capt. Albert E. Theberge, NOAA Corps. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.