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The Stuart and Mimi Rose Collection /

Martin Luther King Jr.

Item 8A

Advance Press Copy, “I Have A Dream” Speech

1963
Advance Copy

Copies of major speeches were (and still are) released to the press before the actual delivery of the speech itself. This Advance Press Copy of one of the most important speeches in U.S. history is extraordinary not for what is included, but for what is missing from it. At the 1963 March on Washington, as Dr. King neared the end of the prepared speech, his close friend, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, shouted to him: “Tell them about the dream, Martin.” He then set aside his text and began “So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.” Dr. King went on extemporaneously, inspiring his audience then with words so energizing and memorable that they continue to affect audiences in the same way today. Thus, this speech has come to be referred to as Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech.

A typed document titled
A typewritten page of text on yellowed paper with visible corrections. The text discusses themes of racial injustice, social responsibility, and perseverance. There are no images or graphics. The right edge of the paper appears slightly worn.
A typed letter on yellowed paper, titled

What will you discover next?

Bible Printed by Fust and Schoeffer
Close-up of an ancient manuscript page featuring text written in Latin. The script is in black ink with significant portions of red ink used for emphasis and decorative initial letters. The paper appears aged with a yellowish hue, adding to the historic feel of the document.

An ancient example of Christian religious beliefs?

Go To Item 16A

John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage
Close-up image of a manuscript with slightly worn yellowed pages. The lying flat on a light-colored surface with a prominent fold bending the pages, and the visible pages feature printed text in English. Handwritten annotations are present in pencil on one of the margins, and frayed edges are noticeable on the pages.

Another work by a prominent figure in the 1960s?

Go To Item 7A

Return to the Rose Collection
A vibrant, symmetrical collage features historical black-and-white photographs of three individuals encircled with colorful floral patterns. The background is filled with intricate designs of butterflies and geometric shapes in shades of teal, coral, and beige.

Return to the Rose Collection

Visit the Folger to see this object on exhibit

Imprints in Time

Imprints in Time

This special exhibition at the Folger features rare books from the collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose that present literary, cultural, and historical high points.
Fri, Jun 21, 2024 – Sun, Jan 5, 2025
Plan your visit
Rose Exhibition Hall