National Archives Tour: Explore American History

Discover the treasures of American history on a 5.5-hour semi-private tour of the National Archives. Skip the line and explore iconic documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, along with fascinating exhibits on First Ladies and more.

Duration: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • The National Archives Museum - This is the best way to skip-the-line and save time, to explore the experiment that is the United States of America! Start with the original handwritten “Charters of Freedom” housed in their spectacular Rotunda. Your guide will narrate the extraordinary circumstances that brought this nation into existence. No trip to the US Capital city is complete without a visit to the National Archives. Surround yourself with documents and paintings that offer both depth and nuance to the period that founded the United States of America. And at Babylon we take it a step farther. In the Rubenstein Gallery, go even deeper into the philosophical foundations by viewing a 1297 copy of the Magna Carta. Your guide will encourage you to explore the concept of citizenship, what it means and how the criteria for those included have evolved from a declaration which stated “all men are created equal”.
  • National Museum of American History - After a break to ponder the complexity of history (and grab a bite) your guide will lead you to the Smithsonian American History Museum. This museum is a caretaker for an incredible blend of scholarly history and pop culture whose memories create a unique bond among the people who experienced them. Your guide will introduce you to the most famous items in the collection, like the flag that flew over Ft McHenry inspiring the poem that was eventually adapted into the National Anthem.
    Featured too is the most visited exhibition in the history of the Smithsonian: the First Ladies exhibit. While you’re there, see why the most requested artifact is Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers — displayed not too far from the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore that fateful night to Ford’s Theatre. Your guide will provide stories and background to expand on the reason these items (out of hundreds of thousands in the collection) serve as living touchstones for the concept we call the United States of America.
What's Included
  • Small group ambiance with a max of 8 guests
  • Insightful 5.5-hour walking and museum tour
  • Enjoy a break for lunch during the tour
  • Tour operates in all weather conditions
  • Led by an expert professional guide
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)
  • Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Additional Information

Embark on a 5.5-hour semi-private guided tour (limited to 8 guests) that gives you exclusive skip-the-line access to Washington DC’s two most essential museums. This adventure offers an unparalleled journey through the unfolding narrative of the United States of America - beginning with its birth and culminating in an exploration of its ongoing evolution. Our guides will immerse you in a tapestry of captivating narratives, rich context, and intriguing anecdotes which underscore the dynamism of our collective past.

Expect to witness key highlights such as (but not limited to):

  • The original Declaration of Independence
  • The Constitution
  • The Bill of Rights
  • The 1297 Magna Carta
  • Abraham Lincoln’s iconic top hat
  • The First Ladies exhibit
  • Dorothy’s renowned Ruby Red Slippers
  • The Star-Spangled Banner
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • A maximum of 8 people per tour allowed
  • Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • Notes: The National Archives & American History Museum and other attractions or museums in London 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 Research Center
Pennsylvania 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
(44 Ratings)
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516kyndallp
Sep 29, 2024
Great experience! - Annmarie was a great guide and we learned do much that we would have missed on our own. I highly recommend the semiprivate option.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Constancec710
Sep 21, 2024
Celebrating Democracy at the National Archives Tour - Donna was friendly and professional, knowledgeable and fun. We had a wonderful experience learning about the beginnings of our nation and the courage of men who founded it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Earpo
Sep 10, 2024
Excellent tour - Excellent tour...Kate was not only informative but literally brought the history to life with her costumes and dialogue!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William
Sep 6, 2024
American History Museum and the National Archives - Annemarie was excellent, very knowledgeable and with great anecdotes. We would definitely sign up for other tours with her.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
837zacht
Sep 4, 2024
Must do tour!! - Annemarie had soo many amazing and unique historical stories to share. I learned so much and was grateful to have a tour guide, especially for the Archives, otherwise the experience would have been much less interesting, and I wouldn't have as a great of an appreciation as I do now. It also helped for the American History museum where there was a huge amount of exhibits, which would have been overwhelming without a guide. I highly recommend this tour!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y7395trcoreyp
Aug 31, 2024
Donna is amazing - Donna is the epitome of what customer service should be. Very knowledgeable of American, and also gave us the source where she got her information from.... thank you ma'am.
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R228fubrettf
Aug 21, 2024
Archives tour - Annemarie was a very informative and interesting guide! Very knowledgeable and kept the tour engaging and fun, both for young adults and history buffs alike.
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Lyndaml3213uz
Aug 17, 2024
Best day at the Smithsonian - Doug was the best guide. He did everything he could to make the experience the best for us. He was knowledgeable and made the day fun.
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Flash36564
Aug 3, 2024
Memorable tour- brings to life the Declaration of Independence and Constitution! - Maribeth was very informative and made our experience a memorable and pleasant one. We learned so much on the tour, as she knows her stuff and loves what she does. She brought what could be a very dry tour to life with the history she shared.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S7665nqbenjamine
Jul 15, 2024
Go with Annemarie - Annemarie was very pleasant. She was quick and knowledgeable to all our questions regarding the tour. I highly recommend booking with Annemarie for any tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
October 2024
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