Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
There are multiple ways to celebrate this landmark anniversary with the National Archives!
Launch of America’s 100 Docs (June 2025)
As one of the first opportunities for everyday Americans to become involved with the 250th anniversary celebrations, America’s 100 Docs is a new game that combines history, technology, and gamification to empower participants to learn more about the 100 most significant records from the National Archives’ vast holdings of American History. We are putting history in your hands with our game to vote on our nation’s most important historical documents and moments. America’s 100 Docs is more than just a voting game—it’s an invitation to rediscover the past and encourage the nation to look toward the future.
July 4th at the National Archives (July 2025)
For over 50 years, the National Archives has hosted a morning ceremony before the National Independence Day Parade, complete with a reading of the Declaration of Independence by historic interpreters, live performances, and more. This year’s event will specifically honor the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps with special showcases.
The American Story: New Museum Space
(October 2025)
This October, the National Archives Museum will open a new, 10,000-square-foot exhibit and education space—The American Story—to the public with original objects, documents, film, and more from the holdings. This state-of-the-art visitor experience will feature interactive technology that allows for personalized engagement with original record displays—a first-of-its-kind experience in a history museum. Throughout The American Story, visitors will use digital portals to tailor their visit based on personal interests.
Emancipation Proclamation and 19th Amendment Rotunda Displays (February 2026)
For the first time since 1952, the National Archives will welcome new, permanent document cases in the Rotunda when it unveils the original 1863 Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, and the original 19th Amendment ratified in 1920. While the Founding Documents—the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights—established the nation’s path during the revolutionary and colonial period, the addition of the Emancipation Proclamation and 19th Amendment to the Rotunda demonstrates the nation’s continued journey to expand rights to its citizens.
Spirit of Independence Festival for the 250th
(June 2026)
The one-month countdown to the 250th Anniversary starts at the National Archives with a three-day festival on Constitution Avenue. In a tent covering two city blocks at the front door of the historic National Archives building, guests will enjoy live music, festive receptions, pet-friendly events, historical reenactors, and hands-on and digital activities for the whole family that are connected to the Declaration of Independence and historic sites across the country.