Learn with Us

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Learn with Us Web Page … Upcoming Education Events The National Archives is proud to host many public programs, ranging from historical reenactors for young learners to book talks and panel discussions for kids of all ages. No events Explore Events Coming Soon in Summer 2025! The Discovery Center is currently closed to the public for renovations. We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Center in the summer of 2025. During its renovation, our education staff will continue to facilitate on-site …

Discovering the Civil War

Online Exhibit
Discovering the Civil War Online Exhibit … View in the National Archives Catalog View in the National Archives Catalog For 150 years, researchers have been finding new insights in the records of the Civil War. They're not finished yet. You can join them in "Discovering the Civil War." "Discovering the Civil War" peels back 150 years of accumulated analysis, interpretation, and opinion to reveal a Civil War that is little-known and even more rarely displayed. The "Discovering the Civil War" exhibition …

Harvey Milk Writes to the President

Past Exhibit
Harvey Milk Writes to the President Past Exhibit … Human Rights at the Ballot Box In 1978, Californians voted on Proposition 6, which would have banned gay men and lesbians from teaching or otherwise being employed by California school districts. The initiative sponsored by State Senator John Briggs was opposed by a number of leading politicians, including former Governor Ronald Reagan and former President Gerald Ford. The Briggs Initiative was ultimately defeated at the polls in November 1978. Harvey …

Field Trips

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Field Trips Web Page … Inspire students with civics knowledge through discovery of America’s founding documents— and reflection on their role in young people’s lives today—with a class visit to the National Archives! During our free field trips, educators and students embark on an interactive gallery experience and engage in lively discussions about what the records reveal about the people and events that shaped who we are today. There are a limited number of field trips available each day. The maximum …

Jimmy Carter: 39th President of the United States

Past Exhibit
Jimmy Carter 39th President of the United States Current Exhibit … President Carter waves from the steps of Air Force One, May 17, 1977. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum View in the National Archives Catalog President Carter waves from the steps of Air Force One, May 17, 1977. Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum View in the National Archives Catalog The National Archives honors President Jimmy Carter's memory with records from one of his greatest accomplishments as President—the …

Teachers & Students

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Teachers & Students Web Page … Student Programs Student programs at the National Archives bring students in contact with the people and documents that have shaped our nation. Through document analysis and historical thinking routines, K-12 students explore history, civics, and the American experience using primary source documents from the National Archives. Field Trips in Washington, DC Inspire students through civics knowledge and reflection on America’s founding documents—and their role in young …

Tours & Group Visits

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Tours & Group Visits Web Page … We recommend that groups of six or more reserve timed-entry tickets to avoid long wait times during heavy visitor traffic periods.  Reserve group timed-entry tickets here. Guided Tours The National Archives is the home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other historically important records of the United States. You can enhance your visit to the Archives with a free tour led by our friendly, knowledgeable staff. Please note visitors who …

Founding Documents

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Founding Documents Web Page … Encounter the original founding documents of the United States in the National Archives Rotunda, the permanent home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, have been instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States. Declaration of Independence View Gallery Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, announces …