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What connection does Normal Lear have to the Declaration of Independence?
By Kitty Dill and Gordon Durich
Southern Californians have a few more
weeks to view an extraordinary document
that has on it the figurative fingerprints of
Norman Lear, 87.
The legendary pioneer and social
innovator and his wife
Lyn bought a print of the
Declaration of Independence.
It is one of only 26
known to exist. It was
discovered in 1989 on the
back of a picture frame
purchased for $4 at a
Pennsylvania flea market.
This is the only touring
print of the Declaration
and it will be displayed
through Jan. 18 at the
California Science Center,
shouldering University of Southern
California, Los Angeles.
In fact, Lear’s thumbprints are so
distinctive the screenwriter, producer and
director was just recognized by AARP for a
“lifetime of dedication, vision and commitment
to service.” In presenting the 2009
AARP Andrus Award during its national
convention in Las
Vegas, AARP cited
a “remarkable
record of achievement
in television,
filmmaking,
philanthropy,
political and social
activism.”
AARP applauded
Lear for his work getting the
Declaration into public view,
and also founding Declare
Yourself and People for the
American Way. AARP
representatives called Lear
“one of the most influential
individuals in the history of
U.S. television creating ‘All
in the Family,’ ‘Sanford & Son,’
‘Maude,’ ‘Good Times’ and
many more ground-breaking programs.”
Humble, Lear said he’s proud of being
able to showcase the Declaration. Re his
career, he pondered, “I’ve spent so much
of my life in laughter, which is interesting
because I consider it healing.” He
added, “I’m now involved in music and
feel the same way.” As the story goes,
the Declaration print was printed
in Philadelphia only hours after
Thomas Jefferson finished
drafting the language. The
document is in the America I Am
exhibit. For information and
tickets, visit
www.CaliforniaScienceCenter.org.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
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