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 …

Power & Light: Russell Lee's Coal Survey

Past Exhibit
Power & Light Russell Lees Coal Survey Past Exhibit … "The Sergent family on their front porch. P V & K Coal Company, Clover Gap Mine, Lejunior, Harlan County, Kentucky."  View in National Archives Catalog Power & Light: Russell Lee's Coal Survey is an exhibition of photographs of coal communities by American documentary photographer Russell Lee. These images tell the story of laborers who helped build the nation, of a moment when the government took stock of their health and safety, and of a photographer …

Great Seal of the United States

Current Exhibit
Great Seal of the United States Ongoing Exhibit … On July 4, 1776, just hours after adopting the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress tasked Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams with creating a national seal. As members of the First Great Seal Committee, each man proposed designs for a national emblem that reflected the independence and aspirations of the new nation. The task proved difficult, and ultimately it took more than three committees and six years to complete the …

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 …

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 debuted 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 showcases 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 …