Explore
Log in

Skip-the-line National Archives Building - Exclusive Guided Tour

Overview
Discover the United States’ turbulent history through works preserved in the National Archives. This 2 hour exclusive guided museum tour explores the documents and letters that have built this very young, yet extremely influential world power.
City: Washington DC
Tue 24 Sep
i
You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $94.34
Tue 24 Sep
Starting at $94.34
Make a reservation
What's Included
Duration 2 Hours
Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Wheelchair Friendly (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Guided Museum Tour
Additional Info
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • 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.
What To Expect
1
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler Photos
Reviews (145)
Cole_Q
Mar 2020
This was a great tour! Richard was a fantastic guide. I've toured the archives several times with a variety of groups, and I have never enjoyed the visit so much. I also learned more in the first 15 minutes of the tour with Richard than I have in all of my past tours combined. He is extremely knowledgeable and has passion for early American history. He guided the tour in such away that I felt like I didn't have anyone around me for viewing the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He also navigated around large tour groups and school groups so I never felt like I was part of a crowd or unable to see an of the other displays. Overall, his insight and information that he shared made this tour one of the best I've ever had. Definitely ask for Richard when you book a semi-private or private tour.
S215NYcarolynw
Dec 2019
Donna was our tour guide and she was excellent. Prompt, pleasant, and highly knowledgeable. A great way to visit the archives.
William G
Dec 2019
Our guide helped to make our tour of the National Archives building both informative and very interesting. Would highly recommend for anyone interested in our nation's history.

Related events

Events in the same area

We think your language is English
In which language would you like to view this page?
English
English
We think your city is New York City
In which city would you are looking for explore?
New York City
New York City