The National Archives Building is currently closed but the Archivist of the United States David Ferriero invites you to join him on a virtual tour of our beautiful Temple to American History. When did you last visit the National Archives in Washington, DC? | US National Archives

Come visit the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, for an opportunity to view a facsimile copy of the Olive Branch Petition, provided courtesy of The National Archives of the United Kingdom and on display through September 24, 2025. Although a state of war existed between the British Empire and its American colonies, many, if not most, colonists still wished for peace. In an attempt at reconciliation, the Continental Congress pledged American loyalty to King George III in its Olive Branc

We're Opening the Vault with a new display at the National Archives Museum! Now through January 7, 2026, get up close to rarely seen records that showcase the Printing of the Declaration of Independence and the Second Continental Congress, including a special bicentennial printing of the Declaration of Independence in 1976, America's 200th birthday. Visitors will also see records of how the Continental Congress functioned as a de facto government, including a rarely-seen broadside of the Second