Enjoy a 2-hour guided highlights tour of the National Archives, introducing you to the original paperwork that formed the United States of America. Come face to face with the seemingly humble documentation that gave birth to this powerful nation.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Private or small groups available
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2 - 2.5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the line through a separate entrance
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy a guided highlights tour with a personal touch
- See the Bill of Rights and Magna Carta of 1297
- Marvel at the signatures of world-famous statesmen like Alexander Hamilton
- Look at a citation issued to civil rights activist Rosa Parks
- Choose between small group or private tour options
Full description
Your local English speaking guide will not only be an expert on the archives, but will also share a mix of historical & political information, background stories and surprising details with you.
Tour highlights:
• The National Archives Rotunda to learn about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution while standing in front of the perfectly-preserved documents from the 17th and 18th centuries
• The Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers featuring the signatures of world-famous statesmen like Alexander Hamilton
• The Public Vaults Exhibits, where letters written by presidents including George Washington and John F. Kennedy are on display
• The Emancipation Proclamation, which helped end slavery in the 19th century
• A citation issued to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, illustrates how long these racial issues lasted
• In the Rubenstein Gallery, examine even older documents like the Magna Carta of 1297
With over half a million artifacts at the National Archives, you’ll be thankful to your passionate, and engaging guide for navigating you, bringing a personal touch to each tour, adding own favorite anecdotes and tips along the way.
Includes
- Professional guide
- 2-hour walking tour
- Private or small group tour of no more than 8 people
- Hotel pickup or drop-off
- Food or drink
- Temporary exhibits
- Gratuities (optional)
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers must bring their own headphones
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meeting point varies depending on option booked.
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
Not allowed
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- You must bring a valid photo ID
- There is a maximum of 8 people per group for semi-private tours
- Please advise when booking if you require a wheelchair accessible tour
- There is a minimum number of 2 people required for the tour to operate and if this is not met and you will be offered an alternative date or full refund
- National Archives may be subject to closures without prior warning from the museum management and you will be provided with an appropriate alternative if the tour is delayed by more than 1 hour, the local partner is unable to provide a refund or discount in this case
- Some rooms inside the archives are subject to quiet or restricted right to speak so your guide will provide the information about the rooms before entering
- Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour
- Large bags are not permitted through security but you can bring a handbag or small thin backpack
