National Archives, Washington D.C.

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The National Archives houses some of the most important documents in the history of the United States and it should be one of the first places that most visitors should see.

Some of the documents on display are the Magna Carta, the Constitution of the United States, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.

On July 4, 1776 We had taken the first step to becoming a free nation, but without its toll on our lives and economy. Yet, we prevailed and have become a nation I am very proud to be part of.

"The Declaration announced to the world the separation of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain and the establishment of the United States of America. It explained the causes of this radical move with a long list of charges against the King. In justifying the Revolution, it asserted a universal truth about human rights in words that have inspired downtrodden people through the ages and throughout the world to rise up against their oppressors."Retrieved from:The National Archives Experience

Security is a must here too and will go through the process as if your going through an airport so be prepared.

The documents are on displayed and protected by sealing cassings to preserve them.

Photo's are welcome, but "No Flash!" Hehehehe, I click off one and you'd thought the world ended, but after they calmed down I reminded them they were not clear and their was no signs posted. So they started reminding everyone - Ok, I am bad:^)

The Rotunda of the National Archives Building in downtown Washington, DC, reopened on September 18. The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence have returned to public display. For more information, see the National Archives Experience.

Hours
Research Hours
Monday & Wednesday 8:45 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:45 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday 8:45 am - 4:45 pm

Closed Sundays and Federal Holidays
Pull times for files
Rotunda Hours
Fall & Winter Seasons (Day after Labor Day through March 31)
10:00 A.M.–5:30 P.M. (every day, except closed on December 25)

Spring Season (April 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend)
10:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M. (every day)

Summer Season (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day)
10:00 A.M.–9:00 P.M. (every day)

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The National Archives are where the country's most valuable documents are stored and serves as a research resource center for advanced scholars as well as those with less prestigious credentials. Just imagine, only 1 to 3% of all documents in the United States are considered important enough to store them here. Want something more concrete? Well, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are here. Oh, and one of the few original copies of Magna Carta too! Prior to the National Archives formation in 1934, each branch of government was responsible for archiving their own documents. The building is one of the city's more ornate as well as state of the art, especially at the time of its construction, as special air-handlers were necessary to ensure the safety of the perishable goods it was to house.

This was a definite if brief stop. We found it kind of amusing that there was such a big line for the US treasures while the Magna Carta garnered only a short glance by most passing by.

Metro: Archives

The Archives building is located north of the National Mall on Constitution Avenue opened as its original headquarters in the mid 1930s. It holds the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These are displayed to the public in the main chamber of the National Archives, which is called the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. There are no queues at the National Archives, and visitors may walk between the documents as you like. The only restriction is no flash photography. The Archives also exhibits other historical documents like the Louisiana Purchase, the Emancipation Proclamation, and much more.

the national archive building was designed by john russell pope, the architect of the national gallery of art and the jefferson monument. it opened in 1934 and it's main purpose is to preserve our nation's important documents. the main interest to visitors to the national archives is to see the u.s. constitution, the declaration of independence, the bill of rights. also a must see item in the archives is a 1297 copy of the magna carta. a must see site when visiting washington.

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From all the museums and memorials in Washington, this is a Must See (yes, with capital letters). The reasons: the display of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and one of the four remaining copies of the English 1297 Magna Carta, which is also the only copy residing in the United States.
Some of the originals, like the Declaration of Independence and the Magna Carta, can be hardly read because of the time passed and the fading ink. However, those of the Constitution and Bill of Rights are in good conditions and can be read.
Entrance is free, and depending of the time of the year, it is open until 5 pm (from Labour Day until spring) or until 7 pm (from spring until Labour Day).

Outside, the building is a beatiful example of the architecture of Washington DC's historic monuments and buildings. Inside, the exhibit hall displays American treasures: The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights. There are also other exhibits with themes of American cultural and historical heritage.

The front hall of the National Archives contains one of the original Declarations of Independence. Viewers stand in single file in the central rotunda and have a short time to view this particular document. Take some time to walk around!

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The National Archives is always on of the places on the list to visit, but I usually don't take the time to stop in! Dusty documents is low on my list when traveling .... and I usually prioritize for other places (shhh, don't tell anyone okay?).

In the display area one can view the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, and other life altering historical documents. I usually just visit the exterior ... I love the statues out front ... especially the one whose quotation is the title for this tip ...... the past is an important aspect of the present - and the present will be the past soon ........ and I can contemplate this as I wait for the bus out front. See, I don't have a GOOD excuse for not entering ;)

This great building and its collections are probably overlooked in the shadow of the Smithsonian with its 65 million artefacts, etc, but a few minutes inside will be sufficient. The front hall contains one of the original Declarations of Independence. Viewers stand in single file in the central rotunda and have a short time to view this particular document.