The National Archives Foundation today announced a $1.1 million investment from The Boeing Company to sponsor the annual display of the original Emancipation Proclamation and related programs at the Washington, D.C. National Archives Museum through 2029. As part of The Boeing Company’s commitment to the mission of the National Archives Foundation, the company is also sponsoring original document exhibitions and programming related to the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.

The National Archives will present the original proclamation one weekend annually for the next 10 years. The document can only be displayed for a limited time due to its fragility, sensitivity to light exposure, and the need to preserve it for future generations. 

“As a milestone on the path to slavery’s final abolishment, the Emancipation Proclamation has assumed a place among the great documents of human freedom,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. “The story of the Emancipation Proclamation is one that would help to redefine freedom and eventually change the course of history. We recall those who struggled with slavery in this country, the hope that sustained them, and the inspiration the Emancipation Proclamation has given to those who seek justice.”

This year, the Emancipation Proclamation will be on display at the National Archives from April 14 to 16 and follow a 3-month display of documents commemorating the 50th anniversary of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s election as the first black woman in the United States House of Representatives.

“Our support of the Emancipation Proclamation, D-Day and the Apollo 11 Moon Landing documents demonstrates our long-term investment in the National Archives,” said Tim Keating, executive vice president of Government Operations at The Boeing Company and newly elected member of the National Archives Foundation Board of Directors. “We are proud to support this important institution, and it is our hope that through the preservation of these historic documents we will continue to connect future generations to important lessons from our shared American past – helping to bridge divides and bring us closer together.”

The National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., is located on Constitution Avenue at 9th Street, NW.  Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The building is Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.

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About the National Archives Foundation

The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at archivesfoundation.org.

About the National Archives

The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education, and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries and online at www.archives.gov.

About The Boeing Company

Through purposeful investments, employee engagement and thoughtful advocacy efforts, Boeing and its employees support innovative partnerships and programs that align with the company’s strategic objectives, create value and help build better communities worldwide. Chicago-based Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in more than 150 countries.

See how Boeing is making a difference for Our Future, Our Heroes and Our Homes by visiting the 2018 Boeing Global Engagement Portfolio at Boeing.com/community.

About the National Archives’ Boeing Learning Center

Located on the upper floor of the National Archives Museum, the Boeing Learning Center offers in-depth education programs for middle and high school students as well as workshops geared to the needs of parents and teachers. Programs and resources include a Learning Lab, Resource Room, and Digital Classroom. The staff engages walk-in visitors of all ages with hands-on activities to enhance civic literacy and promote an understanding of the American stories found in the records of the Federal government. Learn more online. The Boeing Learning Center was made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the support of The Boeing Company.

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