Across six months and 13,000 miles, the Freedom Plane brought America’s history to more than 100,000 Americans from coast to coast Courtesy of Matt Sarago As America marks its 250th anniversary this year, there has never been a more important moment to ensure our nation’s history is accessible to all. That’s why throughout 2026, the National Archives traveling exhibition, ...

The National Archives Museum will debut a once-in-a-lifetime temporary exhibit–continuing the celebration of 250 years of America’s independence and the foundations of our nation. For the first time ever, the historic Rotunda at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, will display all seven pages of George Washington’s Annotated Copy of a Draft of the U.S. Constitution.

Bradford P. Wilson, 12th Archivist of the United States. Washington, DC—The United States Senate voted on August 7, 2026, to confirm Bradford P. Wilson as Archivist of the United States. Wilson was nominated by President Donald J.Trump on March 2, 2026, and received strong bipartisan support following his testimony before the Senate Homeland and Government Affairs Committee. “I ...

Elizabeth Laney, Mary Lucia Thaỏ Darst, and Ann Oldenburg selected for Outstanding Research in Women’s History WASHINGTON—The National Archives Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the National Archives and Records Administration, announced awards for its seventh annual Cokie Roberts Women’s History Fellowship. Elizabeth Laney of South Carolina has been selected as the 2026 Cokie Roberts Women’s History Fellow and will ...

How one history enthusiast’s passion for the past brought four generations of his family to the National Archives for America’s 250th birthday The McDonald family celebrates America's 250th birthday at the National Archives on July 4, 2026. There's nothing Larry McDonald loves doing more than spending time with his grandson, Parker. A close second? Exploring historic records, including those ...

WASHINGTON—On September 30, 2026, the National Archives Foundation will honor George Washington's Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello with its prestigious Records of Achievement Award for their significant roles in chronicling and promoting the American story.The evening event will be held at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. and feature the award presentation, a theater program ...

A three-day immersive celebration held in front of the National Archives invited the public to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary From June 4 to 6, 2026, thousands came together at the National Archives Foundation’s Spirit of Independence Festival to kick off the one-month countdown to July 4—the nation’s 250th anniversary—at the home of the original Declaration of Independence. From a ...

Washington, DC—On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the National Archives will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding, steps away from the original Declaration of Independence, on Constitution Avenue. For more than 50 years, the National Archives has held its annual Fourth of July program, and this year the tradition continues with historical reenactors and a dramatic reading of ...

Washington, D.C. – The National Archives Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the National Archives and Records Administration, announces the election of four new members to its Board of Directors: Global government affairs leader Selina Jackson; Attorney and philanthropic leader Jacqueline E. Michel; Finance and investment expert Jack Oliver; Former Congressman Fred Upton; Nonprofit executive Ana Valdez. Additionally, the ...

Garth Brooks in the National Archives Rotunda Garth Brooks revs up the crowd while performing WASHINGTON, DC—The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) partnered with the National Archives Foundation to present An Evening with Garth Brooks, celebrating 250 years of American music and supporting the Foundation’s work to foster a greater understanding of our nation’s heritage. Hosted in front ...