Tickets

Web Page
Tickets Web Page … Entry to the National Archives is free. Tickets are not required for individuals or groups to enter the National Archives through the General Public Entrance.  Advance Tickets From March to Labor Day there may be long lines to enter the National Archives. To avoid these lines, you can make a reservation through recreation.gov for timed-entry. Tickets are normally available 90 days in advance. Same-day reservations are subject to availability. Timed-entry begins at 10:15 a.m. and ends at …

A President Resigns - 50 Years Later

Past Exhibit
A President Resigns 50 Years Later Past Exhibit … Richard Nixon’s letter resigning the Presidency, August 9, 1974.   National Archives, General Records of the Department of State View in the National Archives Catalog Richard Nixon’s letter resigning the Presidency, August 9, 1974.   National Archives, General Records of the Department of State View in the National Archives Catalog Nixon's farewell to his cabinet and members of the White House staff, August 9, 1974.  Richard Nixon Presidential Library and …

D.C. Emancipation Act

Past Exhibit
DC Emancipation Act Past Exhibit … On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill ending slavery in the District of Columbia . African Americans in the District greeted emancipation with great jubilation and continue to celebrate Emancipation Day with parades and festivals. The original first and signature pages will be on display. An Act of April 16, 1862 [For the Release of Certain Persons Held to Service or Labor in the District of Columbia] (DC Emancipation Act). National Archives, General …

Write to Mom. That’s an order!

Past Exhibit
Write to Mom Thats an order Past Exhibit … This World War I–era telegram relays the Secretary of War’s desire that all commanding  officers and soldiers write a letter home for Mother’s Day. By the date of this communication, May 6, 1919, those moms had been waiting almost six months for their children to come home. Although the Armistice was announced in November 1918, it took over a year to transport the millions of American troops stationed overseas back to the United States. Mother's Day Telegram, May …

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 …

Power & Light: Russell Lee's Coal Survey

Current Exhibit
Power & Light Russell Lees Coal Survey Current 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 …

Tips & Guidelines

Web Page
Tips & Guidelines Web Page … Entry and Wait Times Advance tickets and reservations are not required for individuals or groups visiting the National Archives through the General Public Entrance, but they are strongly recommended to avoid potentially long wait times. It can take up to an hour or more to enter the building without an advance ticket during heavy visitor traffic periods. These typically include the months of March, April, and May; Thanksgiving weekend; and the week between Christmas and New …

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’ …