About the National Archives

Web Page
About the National Archives Web Page … The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency that preserves and shares with the public records that trace the story of our nation, government, and the American people. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and …

Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote

Online Exhibit
Rightfully Hers American Women and the Vote Online Exhibit … Online Exhibits About the Exhibit Most Americans consider the ability to vote fundamental to the enjoyment of full citizenship. American women, however, were long denied that right. In 1920, American democracy dramatically expanded when the newly ratified 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibited the states from denying the vote on the basis of sex.  This landmark voting rights victory was made possible by decades of suffragists’ …

To the Polls: 60 Years of the Voting Rights Act

Past Exhibit
To the Polls 60 Years of the Voting Rights Act Ongoing Exhibit … In the 1960s, voting rights were at the forefront of many Americans’ minds. Nearly 100 years had passed since the 15th Amendment outlawed voting restrictions “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” But threats of violence, literacy tests, and extra fees still prevented many Black voters from exercising their constitutional right at the polls. On March 7, 1965, a peaceful march led by activists, including future …

The Revolution's Impact on American Society

Virtual Exhibit
The Revolutions Impact on American Society Virtual Exhibit … The Revolutionary War touched every aspect of American society and brought a broad spectrum of men and women to the frontlines. Officers and enlisted soldiers distinguished themselves in battle, and allied forces helped to secure an American …

Opening the Vault: Declarations of Independence

Virtual Exhibit
Opening the Vault Declarations of Independence Virtual Exhibit … From Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence to the Bicentennial reproductions, these documents highlight the Declaration’s enduring symbol of freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of a more perfect …

Tips & Guidelines

Web Page
Tips & Guidelines Web Page … Entry and Wait Times Tickets are not required to visit the National Archives Museum and walk-in visitors are welcome! To ensure smooth and timely entrance into the building and enjoy the museum’s all-new personalization system, visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance of their visit.  Visitors can reserve a free, general admission ticket . Visitors can reserve a timed-entry ticket to avoid long wait times during heavy visitor traffic periods.  It can take up to an …

The American Story

Current Exhibit
The American Story Current Exhibit … An American History Experience Like No Other Now Open 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 than 40 original …

Tickets

Web Page
Tickets Web Page … Entry to the National Archives is free. Visitors are encouraged to reserve a free general admission ticket or a $1 timed-entry ticket to visit the museum. Tickets are not required but are recommended to improve visitor experience and leverage new personalization system throughout the museum. Advance Tickets Visitors can acquire several types of tickets to the National Archives Museum: Free general admission tickets:  reserve free tickets online here . Timed-entry tickets:  avoid long …