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Rare copy of Declaration of Independence found by UK National Archives in papers of captured US ship
By AP at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC)
· July 3, 2026
· 1 min read
Michael Scurr has been volunteering at Britain's National Archives for the last 11 years, then one day last May he made a discovery of his own while sifting through the letters of an 18th-century Royal Navy captain.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The discovery of a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence in the UK National Archives has significant implications for Los Angeles residents interested in American history. As a city with a rich cultural scene, Los Angeles is home to numerous historical societies and museums that may be interested in learning more about this find. The fact that the document was discovered in the papers of a captured US ship highlights the complex and often contentious history between the US and the UK. For Angelenos who value historical preservation, this discovery may spark curiosity about the city's own historical collections and whether they contain similar hidden treasures. Local historians and researchers may also be inspired to explore the archives of Los Angeles' own historical institutions, such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or the Huntington Library, to uncover other significant historical documents.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . The Los Angeles 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 ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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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, then one day last May he made a discovery of his own while sifting through the letters of an 18th-century Royal Navy captain.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP at ABC7 Los Angeles (KABC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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