The American Story

Current Exhibit
The American Story Current Exhibit … An American History Experience Like No Other Opening November 21, 2025 Beginning November 21, 2025, the National Archives Museum debuts a once-in-a generation redesign of its permanent exhibits: The American Story and the Discovery Center - connecting visitors with the National Archives in revolutionary ways. The American Story will showcase items and records in the National Archives that tell important moments in our nation's history. Visitors will get up close to more …

Tips & Guidelines

Tips & Guidelines abi

Visitor's Guide

Document
Charters Café Lower level Visitor’s Lower Level The CHARTERS CAFÉ offers soups, salads, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. NATIONAL ARCHIVES MUSEUM Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC. Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving Day and December 25). Admission Free. Visit museum.archives.gov for up-to-date hours and program information. Reservations are suggested March–Labor Day. Visit museum.archives.gov/ reservations-and-tours to …
national-archives-museum-visitor-guide.pdf

Visitor's Guide - French

Document
Charters Café Niveau inférieur William G. McGowan Theater Niveau inférieur Le CHARTERS CAFÉ propose des soupes, des salades, des sandwiches, des collations et des boissons de 10 h à 14 h 30, du lundi au vendredi. NATIONAL ARCHIVES MUSE UM Constitution Avenue, entre les 7e et 9e rues, NW, Washington, DC. Tous les jours, de 10 h à 17 h 30. (Fermé le jour de Thanksgiving et le 25 décembre). Entrée gratuite. Visitez https://museum.archives.gov/ pour obtenir les horaires et des informations sur les programmes. …
national-archives-museum-visitor-guide-french.pdf

The First National Park: Yellowstone and the Hayden Survey

Past Exhibit
The First National Park Yellowstone and the Hayden Survey Past Exhibit … In spring 1871, scientist, physician, and explorer Ferdinand V. Hayden (1829–87) prepared for an expedition in Wyoming and Montana Territories to survey the region around the Missouri, Snake, and Yellow Stone Rivers. Other expeditions into the area preceded Hayden’s, but Hayden is credited with spurring Congress to make Yellowstone the first National Park.  An experienced field scientist, he was among the first scientists to identify …

50th Anniversary of Apollo 15 and the Lunar Roving Vehicle

Past Exhibit
50th Anniversary of Apollo 15 and the Lunar Roving Vehicle Past Exhibit … An out-of-this world road trip Only July 31, 1971, almost three years to the day after Neil Armstrong’s giant leap for humankind, Apollo 15 astronauts David Scott and James Irwin took a spin in the first set of wheels on the Moon. The lunar roving vehicle (LRV), or “Moon buggy” as it is popularly known, was specially designed for use on the low-gravity lunar surface.  Astronauts’ bulky space suits had required them to stay close to …

150 Years Ago: The Great Chicago Fire

Past Exhibit
150 Years Ago The Great Chicago Fire Past Exhibit … The Great Chicago Fire is one of the most famous fires in American history. Although Mrs. O’Leary’s legendary cow has been exonerated, the fire’s exact origin on the night of October 8, 1871, remains unknown. Once ignited, the fire quickly raged out of control thanks to ferocious winds, extremely dry conditions, and plenty of fuel. By the time rain extinguished the final flames on October 10, the conflagration had consumed The Loop (Chicago’s central …

Jackie Robinson—Freedom Fighter

Past Exhibit
Jackie RobinsonFreedom Fighter Past Exhibit … Jackie Robinson refused to move to the back of the bus Jackie Robinson was as fierce and determined about fighting injustice as he was about hitting home runs and stealing bases. He took stands against discrimination throughout his life. In fact, a decade before Rosa Parks’s legendary refusal to give up her seat, Jackie Robinson refused to move to the back of a bus.  Drafted into the Army during World War II, 2nd Lt. Jack R. Robinson was stationed at Camp Hood, …

Mathew Brady: A Pioneering Photographer

Past Exhibit
Mathew Brady A Pioneering Photographer Past Exhibit … Renowned photographer of the notable Credited by many as the father of photojournalism, Mathew Brady is synonymous with the Civil War even though he did not make many of the photographs that bear his name. His ambitious effort to comprehensively document the conflict required Brady to employ a staff of field photographers and make purchases from private individuals. Although Brady was rarely the photographer behind the camera in the field, the historic …