Lear shows his Independence; Kerry lands a real pearl

I DO DECLARE As producer of the groundbreaking series "All in the Family, "Sanford and Son," and "Maude," Norman Lear has something to say about freedom. A copy of the Declaration of Independence he and his wife, Lyn, own will be displayed at the Kennedy Library from July 30 through Aug. 1. And Lear will appear there at a morning forum with Congressman Barney Frank on the Friday of DNC convention week. Lear has been touring the country with the document, which he says he's using to try to inspire young people to participate in their government.

UNION FULL UP The Union Oyster House just got final clearance to be the official party venue for the John Kerry campaign on July 27. Kerry's party will run from 9 p.m. until the restaurant closes. Owner Joe Milano's restaurant will open each day during convention week with an issues breakfast for members of the media, hosted by the Atlantic Monthly.

COURTING JAMES When we checked in to find out how things were going on James Taylor's European tour, it was confirmed that should the convention week concert at UMass-Boston go on as John Kerry hopes, Taylor will be there. Taylor would fly back for the Wednesday concert to play with the Boston Pops Orchestra and maestro emeritus John Williams. Taylor's been performing to sold-out crowds in Europe; the press there was all atwitter about his Milan stop, where he sang a duet of "Mockingbird" with Bonnie Raitt.

KNOW ANY GOOD TAYLORS? James's sister Kate Taylor, a singer, had more than her usual Thursday night crowd in the Brick Cellar Bar, the intimate downstairs part of the Atria restaurant in Edgartown. But it's the summer season on Martha's Vineyard, so anyone could pop up. Poet Rose Styron was there, as was Taylor's former sister-in-law Carly Simon, who brought along Mia Farrow. Being the generous sort who share the microphone, Taylor and Simon sang a song together, which drew everyone from upstairs. . . . And speaking of the Vineyard, actor Richard Gere just finished a vacation on the island.

HOUSE PARTY Developer Stephen Karp and his wife, Jill, are known for using their various properties, such as the Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth and the chichi Nantucket inns the White Elephant and the Wauwinet, for charity functions, but last night they opened their amazing home in the Shimmo section of Nantucket. The event was for the Children's Hospital Trust, the fund-raising wing for Children's Hospital; Stephen Karp just took over as chairman of the board. In addition to the 35 benefactors and hospital supporters, the Karps hosted stem cell research expert Dr. George Daley of Children's Hospital.

RIGHT ORGANIZATION, WRONG CITY Although Gavin DeGraw is being billed as part of the convention week lineup for Rock the Vote, featuring a concert at Avalon with the Black Eyed Peas, his record label says he's scheduled to be in New York City that Tuesday. The next day he's scheduled to play a concert in New Orleans. So it looks like the Boston show will go on without him. But, as they say, stay tuned.

SHH! IT'S A SURPRISE If you see Washington Redskins quarterback and Norfolk native Tim Hasselbeck's mom today, wish her a happy birthday. Hasselbeck and his wife, Elisabeth, cohost of the ABC chat show "The View," were in town yesterday and stopped at Channel 5's studios in Needham before heading over to their alma mater, Boston College. Elisabeth said the couple hoped to get over to Tim's mom's house to surprise her with a birthday breakfast before heading back to New York City.

'ROUND THE SQUARE Funnyman Dan Aykroyd stayed at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square for a couple of days this week, spending a few of his evenings in the company of hotel owner -- and Aykroyd's longtime friend -- Dick Friedman. We're told the two closed Noir on Wednesday night, and they stopped by Brother Jimmy's in the former House of Blues (the first one Aykroyd & Co. opened) Wednesday and Thursday nights. Aykroyd had lunch Thursday at Henrietta's Table.

Globe correspondent Lauren Smiley contributed to this column. Names can be reached at names@globe.com or at 617-929-8253.