What do the Emancipation Proclamation, the 19th Amendment, the iconic photo of the 1969 moon landing, and the Wright Brothers’ plane patent all have in common? They represent key stories and inflection points that advanced American history—and they’re all found in the National Archives.
Now all Americans are invited to participate in America’s 100 Docs—a game that invites citizens to vote on the most significant documents in the National Archives. An initiative of the National Archives Foundation in partnership with More Perfect, America’s 100 Docs gives participants the opportunity to engage with the past in ways that have never been seen before.
The 100 records—which include documents, photos, maps, patents, and images—were thoughtfully selected by a historical advisory group cochaired by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and famed documentarian Ken Burns. The 100 records represent a small fraction of all the country and its citizens have accomplished and endured.
Selection of records included in America’s 100 Docs
The game is designed for everyone—whether you’re a diehard history buff or you haven’t brushed up on American history since the eighth grade. Americans of all backgrounds, geographic locations, and ages are invited to vote for their top two documents across eight time periods, informing the 16 documents that will make it to the America’s 100 Docs Finals in 2026. Early next year, the America’s 100 Docs Finals will feature a bracket-style tournament in which ONE will be voted America’s most significant document. Along the way, participants will have the opportunity to win in-game badges, share records with friends and family, and participate in special prize giveaways.
The goal of America’s 100 Docs is simple: to offer Americans a chance to reflect on important moments in the country’s history and have fun along the way. Participants are encouraged to vote on what they find significant and to consider both the positive and negative impacts of each record from their own perspectives. This is not a test, and there is no wrong answer!
America’s 100 Docs is the first opportunity for Americans to get involved ahead of celebrations for the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The lead-up to this national milestone offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the country’s ideals and stories—and all are invited to participate. Voting is now open. Be a part of history and part of the action—start playing America’s 100 Docs today!
To learn more about America’s 100 Docs, go to 100docs.vote and select “About/FAQ” in the main menu in the top right corner. To request the official America’s 100 Docs toolkit, please email [email protected].
