National Archives Exclusive Guided Tour: Discover US History

305 Ratings

Washington

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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 learn more

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 Finally, in the Rubenstein Gallery, you’ll examine more historical documents like the Magna Carta of 1297, written well before the United States was even conceived, yet pivotal in influencing the other documents that you’ll experience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

(305 Ratings)

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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

Jennifer_w

Jul 14, 2024

Kate was great! - Kate did an excellent job on our tour! She made it interesting and keep the attention of a 9year for the entire time!!!

Review provided by Viator

Dianasy2943xp

Jul 1, 2024

Great experience - Our tour guide Annemarie was soo informative and this was an exceptional tour! I’d highly recommend! The documents were amazing to see and we got to skip the line

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P235vqjaimes

Jun 29, 2024

Amazing - Annemarie was amazing. She knows everything. I recommend, if you want to know about the foundation of USA. The tour was great.

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Sheldaw2015

Jun 26, 2024

Excellent and very worthwhile - Brenda just did a great job of giving all the fun and relevant details behind the history of our country's most important documents! I would've never learned as much if I had done the tour on my own...

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410ralphr

Jun 24, 2024

Definitely recommend - Amazing tour! We learned and saw so much more than if we had gone on our own. Annemarie was very knowledgeable and made it interesting.

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Wendy

Jun 8, 2024

Thank you Annemarie! - Annemarie was very knowledgeable and made our visit to the National Archives easy and enjoyable, five stars! Thank you!

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Neal

Jun 7, 2024

Awe inspiring - It was a priceless tour by Maribeth, full of information we are still discussing. She provided an experience that has left us in awe.

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Karenkq8302gm

May 30, 2024

Great, educational tour - This was a fantastic tour! It was myself and a family of 4, so it felt like a private tour. Donna was a fantastic tour guide. She texted me a picture of herself the morning of the tour, so I could easily spot her once I got to the museum. She was very friendly , knowledgeable and engaging. Visiting the National Archives with her was so much more fun and educational than a self guided tour. Well worth the cost! Highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in American History!

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