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 number of students on any one field trip is 35 to allow for smooth, timely movement through our exhibits. Available for grades K–12
- Size limit: 10–35 students
- Length: 60–90 minutes
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with programs beginning at 9:30 a.m. or 12 p.m.
- Availability based on staff and volunteer guides
Reserve your program today! Select your program and email fieldtrips@nara.gov to discuss availability and scheduling your visit. All field trips must be scheduled at least 45 days in advance.
Art and Architecture of the National Archives
Grades: K–12
90 minutes
Designed by American architect John Russell Pope in the 1930s, the National Archives Building and especially its half-domed Rotunda offer an awe-inspiring setting in which to visit the U.S. founding documents. This program asks students to engage critically with the art and architecture of the National Archives Building and consider the ways in which the environment—the building's neoclassical style, scale, imagery, and proximity to the National Mall—frames their encounter.
Students will consider the following questions:
- How does the architect want you to feel while standing in the Rotunda?
- What message does the building's design impart about American democracy?
At the end, students will be invited to imagine their very own artwork decorating the empty niches lining the Rotunda. How might they update the space to represent American society today?
Art and Architecture of the National Archives - Large Group
Grades: 6–8 or 9–12
60 minutes
Interested in bringing a large student group (up to 75 people)? This educator-led experience, a modified version of “Art & Architecture of the National Archives,” includes a 20-minute presentation in the McGowan Theater followed by a visit to the National Archives Rotunda to view the founding documents. Please contact our Education Team at fieldtrips@nara.gov at least 90 days in advance to discuss availability.
America’s Freedom Train
Grades: 6–8 or 9–12
90 minutes
This program focuses on America's founding documents and their continuing role in shaping U.S. society. Inspired by the Freedom Train special exhibit dedicated to the history of American democracy that toured the United States in a seven-car train from September 1947 until January 1949, students will tour the National Archives Rotunda to view the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights and visit other highlights of the National Archives.
Working in small groups, they will exercise civic literacy and historical analysis skills to justify which museum objects they would select for an updated Freedom Train exhibit marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Students will explore questions such as:
- In what ways has the United States fulfilled the democratic ideals outlined in the founding documents?
- What could it have done better? How would you tell the story of American democracy today?
- How have ordinary Americans used the rights outlined in the Constitution to create a more perfect union?
Remember the Ladies: Women’s Rights from the Revolution to the ERA
Grades: 8–12
60 minutes
Nearly 250 years ago, Abigail Adams admonished her husband John to “remember the ladies” when fighting for America’s independence from Great Britain. Her letter, written in 1776, marks a first step in U.S. women’s centuries-long struggle for equal rights. How did women fight for the right to vote, and what challenges persisted even after the ratification of the 19th Amendment?
Through analyzing documents, photographs, and more on display in the Records of Rights exhibit, students will learn about American womens’ civic activism and achievements from the Revolutionary War era to the Equal Rights Amendment and beyond. Please note: This program is designed for groups of 20 or fewer students.
Unveiling Stories: Russell Lee's Coal Survey
Grades: 3-8
90 minutes
This experience focuses on the temporary exhibit Power and Light: Russell Lee's Coal Survey. The exhibit features more than 200 of American documentary photographer Russell Lee’s photographs of coal miners and their families.
Journeying into the gallery, students will engage in slow looking to strengthen their observation and analytical skills while learning about the history and meaning of Lee's photographs. This program also asks students to make connections between photographs and storytelling. What stories are (and are not) present in Lee’s coal survey photographs?
Guidelines & Policies
Field trips are available for a minimum of 10 people. The maximum number of students on any one field trip is 35 to allow for smooth, timely movement through our exhibits.
For the safety of students, we require a ratio of one chaperone per 10 students. Students must be supervised at all times.
To facilitate a smooth entry, please arrive 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled program time. The National Archives is not responsible for reuniting late arrivals with their groups.
For groups that need to cancel a reservation or expect to arrive later than planned, please email fieldtrips@nara.gov or call/text the contact number on your reservation ticket. Repeated failure to notify the Education Team about a program cancellation at least 24 hours in advance may result in a group not being allowed to reserve future programs.
There is no parking available at the National Archives. Buses may pause at the curb to pick up and drop off passengers only.
Chewing gum and unsealed food/drink containers are not permitted in the museum. Visitors with these items will be asked to dispose of them prior to Security Screening.
If you are planning on eating lunch onsite, the National Archives has a small café that is open from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Charters Café is located on the Lower Level and can accommodate one class at a time. Please note seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Non-flash photography is permitted in all exhibition areas. Selfie sticks, monopods, and tripods are not permitted.
- All visitors will go through security screening upon entry. Only one bag is allowed per person; bags cannot be larger than 17 by 26 inches (43 by 66 centimeters) in size.
- Strollers, wheelchairs, mobility devices, bags (17 by 26 inches or smaller), and other personal items are permitted. All items are subject to security screening and must remain with visitors at all times. Baby backpacks and other types of wearable infant carriers are permitted. There are no lockers or coat checks available.
- To expedite the screening process, leave backpacks at school or on the bus, if possible.
- Chewing gum and unsealed food/drink containers are not permitted in the museum. Visitors with these items will be asked to dispose of them prior to Security Screening.
Guided Tours
Bringing fewer than 10 students? Join one of our pop-up tours instead!
Group Visits
Bringing more than 35 students? Learn more about reserving advance timed-entry tickets for a self-guided visit.