Opening the Vault begins with ties to the American Revolution, celebrating and leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Displaying some of the nation’s most historic treasures throughout the year, visitors will see iconic and historically valuable documents in the Rotunda within the National Archives Museum.

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March 5 – June 22, 2026: Freedom Train 1947 (On View Now)

In September 1947, a seven-car train set off from Philadelphia on a journey around the U.S. with precious cargo on board: more than a hundred of the country’s most valued historical documents. The museum on rails was called the Freedom Train. It was a major civic and educational project designed to energize the country with American history. View the online exhibit.

January 8 – March 4, 2026: Baseball in the Archives

Baseball arrived in the United States from Europe in the 1700s and evolved alongside the country. By 1856, newspapers were calling it the “National Pastime” as pick-up games and amateur teams grew. The Civil War did little to disrupt the growing sport as soldiers organized games throughout military encampments. Over the next hundred years and through two World Wars, baseball’s presence on the battlefield continued. Major league players enlisted in the military, service members formed their own teams abroad, and civilians at home played ball to maintain normalcy. These traditions continued in times of war and peace well after World War II ended in 1945.

August 7 – November 6, 2025: The Beginning of Our Union & Our Nation’s First Ally

The second rotation of Opening the Vault explores the critical role France played in the United States as it fought Great Britain during the Revolutionary War. In particular, it highlights the Marquis de Lafayette’s role in securing that alliance and fighting the war.

The second rotation also highlights the First Continental Congress’s adoption of the Articles of Association— a phased nonimportation, nonexportation, and nonconsumption agreement in response to Great Britain passing the Intolerable Acts.

May 7 – August 6, 2025: Washington and Franklin

The first rotation of historic artifacts features handwritten documents of two Founding Fathers, President George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. These items emphasize landmark milestones in American history, honoring the first Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, and the first Postmaster General.

Among the records on display through August 6 are President Washington’s Oath of Allegiance to the United States, as well as his Revolutionary War account book, which served as an expense report during his time leading the Continental Army. These items commemorate the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Army, to be celebrated in June 2025.

The exhibit also aligns with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Postal Service. On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress created the United States Post Office and unanimously selected Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. Visitors can view Franklin’s postal ledger, used to track financial reports across multiple states, and a table of postal rates identifying what, and how much, was required to send a letter in 1775.