National Archives, Washington D.C.

51

National Archives, Washington D.C.

National Archives, Washington D.C.

The National Archives is a repository of some of the United States' most cherished historical documents. Within its confines, you'll find significant pieces such as the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. These invaluable documents, collectively referred to as the Charters of Freedom, are prominently displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, where they are always on view.

Additionally, there are accessible public vaults containing over 1,000 records related to American democracy. Among the treasures held here are telegrams sent by Abraham Lincoln to his generals and handwritten notes penned by George Washington. These records are divided into five separate vaults, each named after a theme from the Constitution's preamble, covering topics like law, citizenship, war, milestones, and record-keeping for the benefit of future generations.

Visitors can also take advantage of the William G. McGowan Theater, which screens informative films about the National Archives and the Charters of Freedom. Furthermore, there are numerous exhibits to explore in the Lawrence F. O'Brian Gallery.

The National Archives and Records Administration is conveniently located on Pennsylvania Avenue, situated between 7th and 9th streets. Access to the Rotunda is granted from Constitution Avenue. Admission is free, but during peak tourist seasons, you can reserve a nonrefundable ticket for entry. Those with tickets should use the special events door on Constitution Ave. to gain access.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Washington D.C.. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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National Archives on Map

Sight Name: National Archives
Sight Location: Washington D.C., USA (See walking tours in Washington D.C.)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Washington D.C., USA

Create Your Own Walk in Washington D.C.

Create Your Own Walk in Washington D.C.

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Washington D.C. Introduction Walking Tour

Washington D.C. Introduction Walking Tour

Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia or simply The District, is the capital of the United States and, in many senses, America’s front yard. After the American Revolution, the need for the newly independent nation's federal government to have authority over a capital city and not rely on any state for its maintenance and safety, came in the wake of the Pennsylvania Mutiny of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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DC Monuments and Memorials Walking Tour

DC Monuments and Memorials Walking Tour

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years," goes the famous quote by Abraham Lincoln.

Indeed, those remembered in Washington, D.C. – the renowned statesmen, politicians, fallen soldiers, and other distinguished persons – had their years filled with life to the brim. What they left behind is a great legacy manifested in historic...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Georgetown Walking Tour

Georgetown Walking Tour

Georgetown is a historic neighborhood situated in the northwest quadrant of Washington, DC. Despite its proximity to downtown, this former port area has preserved much of its distinct character. In Georgetown, "old-world charm meets modern allure," they say. Those poetically inclined tend to compare it to "a tapestry of cobblestone dreams and timeless grace."

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Arlington National Cemetery Tour

Arlington National Cemetery Tour

"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example," a distinguished politician of the 19th century said once.

The historic military necropolis – the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia – is the final resting place for many of America's heroes, whose willingness to sacrifice for their country has earned them the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Federal Buildings Walking Tour

Federal Buildings Walking Tour

The capital of the United States is home to several notable federal buildings that hold significant historical, architectural, and governmental value.

Among the stately “emblems of authority” in Washington D.C. perhaps the most prominent is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States – The White House. This resplendent mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Georgetown University Walking Tour

Georgetown University Walking Tour

Georgetown University, established in 1789, is America's oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution. Spanning four campuses in Washington, DC, its main undergraduate campus in Georgetown features fifty-four buildings across 104 acres.

With its Gothic and Georgian architecture, serene green spaces, and Jesuit traditions, the university promotes academic excellence and global engagement. For...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

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