Rotunda Display
New Display in Rotunda
“The 19th Amendment enabled the largest enfranchisement in the history of the United States, removing voting restrictions for more than half of all Americans. We are adding it, and the Emancipation Proclamation, to the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives Rotunda to share a more complete story of our nation’s ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union.”
— Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States
The National Archives displayed the original 19th Amendment for a limited time during its Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote exhibition in 2019. The exhibition celebrated the centennial anniversary of women achieving the right to vote. Beyond the anniversary, the 19th Amendment has not been on extended public display.
The preservation of the 19th Amendment is top-of-mind when displaying it permanently. To protect the document from fading or extended damage, the proposed document case design will include an active system that enables tight control of the display’s temperature and humidity. The proposed display will also accommodate specialized lighting that enhances visibility and reduces damage, similar to the lighting system used in the display of the Founding Documents.
