The American Story

Permanent
Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Public Vaults

An American History Experience Like No Other

Now Open

Beginning November 21, 2025, the National Archives Museum debuts 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 will showcase 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 artifacts and documents, including a rare 1823 Stone Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's annotated copy of the Constitution, and presidential gifts including horseshoes to President Bush from Queen Elizabeth II.

The American Story will be the first and only museum in Washington, DC to use artificial intelligence (AI) to bring each visitor a special, individualized opportunity to explore the records of the American people and engage with American history. This exhibit brings more than two million historic records to life, offering a personalized journey through our nation's past.

This new museum experience provides all Americans with a special opportunity to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

What You Will See

  • The Chartering Freedom gallery within The American Story, featuring large screens and cases featuring records like the Emancipation Proclamation and 1823 Stone Engraving Copper Plate of the Declaration of Independence
  • The Cosmos gallery in The American Story at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.
  • The Art of Diplomacy gallery in The American Story at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.
  • The Art of Diplomacy gallery in The American Story at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.
  • The A More Perfect Union gallery in The American Story at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.
  • The Picturing A Nation gallery in The American Story at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.
  • Original artifacts displayed: William Stone’s 1823 Declaration of Independence engraving; the Louisiana Purchase; various presidential state gifts; patents including those for Velcro, the artificial heart, and the Zamboni.
  • Interacting with Artificial Intelligence (AI): Visitors to the National Archives Museum will encounter interactive, digital stations. At these stations, they can use AI to explore millions of records within the National Archives fully customized to their interests and personalize their visit.
  • Immersive Media: The exhibits will feature immersive mediascapes created with original photographs, videos, oral histories and musical scores. 
  • Presidential Gifts Case: Visitors will see gifts from Presidential Libraries across the country. Exchanging gifts between foreign leaders and the president is a time-honored tradition. Gifts on display will include a set of horseshoes given to President George H. W. Bush by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1992, and a red necktie given to President Donald Trump by Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni in 2017.
  • Picturing a Nation: This art gallery-style space will feature rotations of original photographs from the holdings of the National Archives. The first rotation features the iconic work of Ansel Adams, with photographs of the National Parks and the American West.

Discovery Center

The Discovery Center at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC

The Discovery Center at the National Archives Museum invites visitors of all ages to experience the National Archives in new hands-on, interactive ways. Learn more about The Discovery Center.