The National Archives is home to billions of records in total, including the three most important documents in American history: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Encounter the original founding documents of the United States in the National Archives Rotunda, the permanent home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, have been instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States. Note: The following text is a transcription of the Stone Engraving of the parchment Declaration of Independence (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.) The spelling and punctuation reflects the original. Nestled in the heart of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, lies the iconic rotunda, housing the nation’s most cherished documents. Among its prized possessions are the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, accompanied by a trove of other captivating historical papers. Declaration of Independence in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom The museum wing of the National Archives, the National Archives Museum is the home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located at 701 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20408. From Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence to the Bicentennial reproductions, these documents highlight the Declaration’s enduring symbol of freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of a more perfect union. 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. Repository where the most important historical documents of the United States are held, such as the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta. These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, have secured the rights of the American people for more than two and a quarter centuries and are considered instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States. Declaration of Independence Learn More The Declaration of Independence expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded and the reasons for The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights have been displayed to the public in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building since 1952. Plan your visit to the National Archives Museum, home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 701 Constitution Ave, NW between 7th and 9th streets, Washington, DC 20408. Admission is always free. No reservations required. More information on: Reservations, Tours, Things to do and see, Waiting Time, Security, Bags, Accessibility Plan your visit to the National Archives Museum, home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. National Archives Museum: 701 Constitution Ave. NW, The special 250th-anniversary exhibit, Road to Revolution, highlights National Archives records that document major milestones that led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The Museum of the American Revolution today announces new details of its exhibition plans for "The Declaration’s Journey" related to its display of rare early printings of the Declaration and a variety of international declarations of independence issued since 1776. The National Archives Museum is home to the Charters of Freedom, including the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The museum is situated in the heart of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., surrounded by dozens of memorials, museums and historic areas. The museum wing of the National Archives, the National Archives Museum is the home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located at 701 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20408. Admission is always free. Home to the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights, the National Archives holds more than 13 billion records. Visit our newest exhibit, Power & Light: Russell Lee’s Coal Survey, an exhibition of photographs by renowned documentary photographer Russell Lee telling the story of workers who helped build a nation. When you've finished viewing the Magna Carta, go up to the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, home of America’s most treasured documents–the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Guided Tours The National Archives is the home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other historically important records of the United States. You can enhance your visit to the Archives with a free tour led by our friendly, knowledgeable staff.
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