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National Archives Exclusive Guided Tour: Discover US History
4.9
306 Ratings
Washington
Explore the tumultuous past of the United States via artifacts safeguarded in the National Archives. Undertake this exclusive 1.5 to 2 hour guided museum journey delving into the documents and correspondences that have contributed to the formation of this comparatively nascent but profoundly impactful global authority.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- The National Archives Museum - Enter the neoclassical building that acts as a temple to American history. Once inside, your expert guide will take you through the National Archives Rotunda to learn about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution while observing the original documents. These papers, alongside the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers, are all signed by the prominent statesmen and founding fathers like Alexander Hamilton. Moving to the Public Vaults Exhibits, you’ll come face to face with letters from George Washington and John F. Kennedy. You’ll even see the Emancipation Proclamation, which, in 1863, led to the abolishment of slavery. Finally, in the Rubenstein Gallery, you’ll examine more historical documents like the Magna Carta of 1297, written well before the United States was even conceived, yet pivotal in influencing the other documents that you’ll experience in the Archives. By the end, you will have witnessed firsthand the humble documentation that created the world’s most powerful country.
What's Included
- Exclusive Tour Guide
- 1.5 - 2 Hour Duration
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Expert Guided Museum Tour
What's Not Included
- Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
Additional Information
- A maximum of 8 people permitted per tour allowed
- Notes: National Archives and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with ‘Skip the Line’ or ‘No Wait’ access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Location
National Archives Museum
Constitution Avenue Northwest
Meet your guide on the corner of 9th Street NW and Constitution Ave.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(306 Ratings)
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Ronald_e
Sep 10, 2024
Archive trip - Very interesting! Donna was a very knowledgeable guide. Tour was slightly delayed through no fault of Donna.
Review provided by Viator
567laurenj
Sep 3, 2024
Incredible location and history made even better with a tour guide - Maribeth was an incredible tour guide that made visiting the Archives x10 better. Impressively knowledgeable and informative. She answered all questions and tailored discussion to our interests.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jana_c
Aug 24, 2024
Loved It!! - This tour was incredibly informative. Kate, our guide, was very knowledgeable of content and put a “ fun twist” in delivering information. I would HIGHLY recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Sightsee724272
Aug 4, 2024
Incredible way to see US History. - It’s the best way to see the National Archives. I have come several times to Washington D.C and I have never been able to see the National Archives because the lines were too long. When I found out I was coming back to D.C. it is the first thing I booked. Best way to see and learn more about the Archives.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ljmcgee522
Aug 2, 2024
Satisfied Teacher - Annemarie was very knowledgeable and engaging as she offered tons of information that was very interesting. She made us feel welcomed by texting the day before to introduce herself and then texting a photo of herself that morning so we could easily find her. I have been to the Archives several times but learned so much today.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diane
Aug 2, 2024
Annemarie - Our tour guide Annemarie was excellent. Very informative and knowledgeable. Very attentive and pleasant. We would recommend her to anyone that wanted to take the tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vik
Aug 2, 2024
Trank you Donna! - We had a wonderful time with a witty, intelligent, kind, and well-informed guide.
Thank you Donna for sharing your experience and views- it made the historical connections really tangible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dilipgohokar
Jul 28, 2024
Inspiring history.. - This is a must visit place when you are visiting Washington DC..
Only issue was that.. We could not read anything clearly from the declaration of independence...has faded a lot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katie
Jul 24, 2024
History comes alive - This was the BEST tour during our stay!! Brenda absolutely made the archives come alive. She is a great historian and a beautiful and kind person. My family and I enjoyed her weaving together the historical documents and the story of their creation. Don't miss the archives and don't miss the chance to go there with Brenda!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeanne_y
Aug 15, 2024
A nice visit to a historic location - Our guide (Annmarie) was very knowledgeable about the constitution and the room where it’s located at the Archives
Review provided by Viator
