National Archives Exclusive Guided Tour: Discover US History
4.9
285 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
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 Finally, in the Rubenstein Gallery, you’ll examine more historical documents like the Magna Carta of 1297, written well before the United States was even conceived, yet pivotal in influencing the other documents that you’ll experience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
(285 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Ronald_g
May 21, 2024
Ron & Sharon - The additional information provided by Ann Marie was ver informative. Enjoyed having her as a guide.
Review provided by Viator
Sherpa607868
May 12, 2024
First into the rotunda!! - This is definitely the way to tour the National Archives! I was fully prepared for crowds and very little access to the documents but we were first into the rotunda and had the Declaration of Independence all to ourselves for a little while!!! We learned so much more than we would have visiting on our own. Thank you Annmarie!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X3450mmabigailb
May 12, 2024
Skip-the-lines National Archives Tour with Annemarie - Annemarie was a perfect tour guide, with her welcoming disposition and knowledge of all of the must-see parts of the National Archives. She gave us eye-opening descriptions of each artifact we saw, and made our experience be the best it could possibly be.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C1570nglaurag
May 9, 2024
Wonderful experience - The tour was easy to book. We were the first ones in the museum and our guide, Bess, got us right to the Declaration of Independence before the crowd got there. It was fantastic. She is a treasure of information and really made our experience rich. A tour guide can make or break your experience and Bess made ours GREAT!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_o
May 7, 2024
NATIONAL ARCHIVES TOUR - Ann Marie was awesome. She was informative, fun, and personable.
It was an exceptional tour due to her knowledge and presentation.
We look forward to touring with her again!
Review provided by Viator
Cheryl_h
Apr 28, 2024
Maribeth gave us an... - Maribeth gave us an excellent tour of the National Archives. She was able to direct us to everything we wanted to see, and gave us interesting facts about all the historical documents.
Review provided by Viator
Kareny410
Apr 21, 2024
Archive history. - Maribeth gave a wonderful explanation of the history of the documents and the building housing the constitution, declaration, and bill or rights. We loved all the details and back stories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Smuhlhauser
Apr 16, 2024
Excellent tour! - Ryan was an excellent guide. Extremely knowledgeable and made our visit to the archives a memorable and wonderful experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julieac8806ck
Apr 8, 2024
AWESOME EXPERIENCE - Jennifer is an AMAZING tour guide. Extremely professional, informative and personable and really focuses on making it the best experience for her tour group. Truly one of the best tours I’ve ever done and wish I had dedicated more of our day to see more of the Archives Museum following our tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tickertune
Apr 7, 2024
Great small guided tour of our National archives - Donna was a wonderful guide. She presented the history of the archives and our nation’s formative documents in a way that brought events and people to life with her engaging storytelling skill.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
