National Archives050

Among the treasures available at the National Archives are the cornerstone documents of our Government: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. Explore the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, where you can simultaneously view all four pages of the Constitution. New cases have made the Charters more accessible for younger visitors and those using wheelchairs. The fading murals of the signers of the Charters have been restored.

In the Public Vaults, a permanent exhibit, you can experience the feeling of going beyond the walls of the Rotunda into the stacks and vaults of the National Archives. Here you encounter fascinating original records (including Abraham Lincoln's telegrams to his generals and audio recordings from the Oval Office) and interactive exhibits that allow you to "touch" and explore some of the most interesting documents, photos, and films on site.

During the day, the 290-seat William G. McGowan Theater continuously shows a short film on the work done on the Charters of Freedom and the Rotunda. In the evenings the theater shows a variety of documentary films. And visit the Archives Shop so you can take home some treasures of your own.

The National Archives are also an extremely valuable research tool. There are two requirements to use the Research Room: there must be records or other materials on your topic among National Archives holdings; and you must be at least 14 years old. Children under 14 can be admitted under limited circumstances and only with the prior approval of research room management. Call 866.325.7208 for additional information.