Manning said that a "bargain-hunting couple" purchased a painting in 1989 at a Philadelphia flea market for $4. When they got the painting home, they peeled back the paper backing and found the document tucked inside, behind the painting. They sold it for about $1 million, and it changed hands once more before Lear purchased it at an auction.

The new owner, Manning said, has vowed to always keep it available "to the people."

Some of those people included the O'Dell family from Saratoga Springs, who made the trip Friday just to view the Declaration. Dad, Loran; Mom, Angie; and kids Christopher, Carter and Ashleigh were all beaming after their turn at the display. After the viewing, they got a family photograph in front of an oversize Declaration of Independence backdrop near the exhibit.

"It's so cool," Carter O'Dell said. "It's awesome how they found it."

The exhibit continues today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. More information on the exhibit, and other events hosted at the Capitol, can be found at www.utahstatecapitol.utah.gov.

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E-mail: araymond@desnews.com