80 Years Since the End of World War II

Past Exhibit
80 Years Since the End of World War II Current Exhibit … World War II, the deadliest military conflict in history, ended six years and one day after the war erupted in Europe. On September 2, 1945, just four months after Nazi Germany’s surrender, Japanese officials issued an imperial order and signed a formal surrender ending hostilities in the Pacific Theater. Instrument of Surrender, September 2, 1945. Records of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff View in the National Archives Catalog Instrument of …

Opening the Vault: Washington and Franklin

Virtual Exhibit
Opening the Vault Washington and Franklin Virtual Exhibit … From May 7 to August 6, 2025, the National Archives Museum will feature historic, handwritten documents of two Founding Fathers: President George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. These items emphasize landmark milestones in American history, honoring the first Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and the first Postmaster General. These historic treasures also commemorate the 250th anniversaries establishing the U.S. Army and U.S. Postal …

Opening the Vault: Freedom Train 1947

Virtual Exhibit
Opening the Vault Freedom Train 1947 Virtual Exhibit … In September 1947, a seven-car train set off from Philadelphia on a journey around the U.S. with precious cargo on board: more than a hundred of the country’s most valued historical documents. The museum on rails was called the Freedom Train. It was a major civic and educational project designed to energize the country with American …