local
Rare copy of Declaration of Independence found by UK National Archives in papers of captured US ship
By Danica Kirka, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 4 min read
Michael Scurr has been volunteering at Britain’s National Archives for the last 11 years, spending his Thursday mornings painstakingly cataloging documents for the benefit of future researchers.Then one day last May the retired insurance executive made a discovery of his own while sifting through...
Key takeaway Then one day last May the retired insurance executive made a discovery of his own while sifting through the letters of an 18th-century Royal Navy captain.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The discovery of a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence in the UK National Archives has significant implications for the understanding of American history, and for Montgomery County residents, it serves as a reminder of the region's own role in the country's fight for independence. As the Houston area prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, this find highlights the bravery and determination of the Continental Congress and the sailors who risked their lives to disrupt British trade. The fact that this copy was printed in Exeter, New Hampshire, and captured from a ship under the direction of the Continental Congress, underscores the far-reaching efforts of the American colonies to assert their independence. For locals, this discovery offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who came before us and to appreciate the significance of American independence in our own community's history.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more Magnolia News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Michael Scurr has been volunteering at Britain’s National Archives for the last 11 years, spending his Thursday mornings painstakingly cataloging documents for the benefit of future researchers.Then one day last May the retired insurance executive made a discovery of his own while sifting through...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Danica Kirka, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter