Washington, DC—On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the National Archives will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding, steps away from the original Declaration of Independence, on Constitution Avenue. For more than 50 years, the National Archives has held its annual Fourth of July program, and this year the tradition continues with historical reenactors and a dramatic reading of ...

Washington, D.C. – The National Archives Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the National Archives and Records Administration, announces the election of four new members to its Board of Directors: Global government affairs leader Selina Jackson; Attorney and philanthropic leader Jacqueline E. Michel; Former Congressman Fred Upton; Nonprofit executive Ana Valdez. Additionally, the Foundation welcomes back two returning board ...

Garth Brooks in the National Archives Rotunda Garth Brooks revs up the crowd while performing WASHINGTON, DC—The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) partnered with the National Archives Foundation to present An Evening with Garth Brooks, celebrating 250 years of American music and supporting the Foundation’s work to foster a greater understanding of our nation’s heritage. Hosted in front ...

Curated tasting experience invites guests to enjoy recipes and specialty drinks prepared by award-winning chefs and mixologists from across the country WASHINGTON, DC—On Friday, June 5, 2026, the National Archives Foundation, in partnership with the National Restaurant Association and Drink Company, presents Taste of America, a ticketed event celebrating culinary traditions and specialty drinks from all corners of the ...

Three-night benefit series highlights American music, cuisine, and storytelling as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. WASHINGTON, D.C.—On May 6, 2026, the National Archives Foundation announced the evening benefit series for the Spirit of Independence Festival, a spectacular three-day festival taking place from June 4-6, 2026, in the heart of Washington, D.C., to commemorate the ...

Spirit of Independence Festival invites families and communities to explore American history through interactive programs, performances, and hands-on experiences.  WASHINGTON, D.C.—On May 5, 2026, the National Archives Foundation announced the Spirit of Independence Festival, a spectacular multi-day festival taking place from June 4-6, 2026, in the heart of Washington, D.C., to commemorate the 250th ...

“Free and Independent” to open April 24, 2026, in celebration of America’s 250th birthday  Washington, D.C. — The National Archives will open Free and Independent: A Celebration of the Declaration, a major special exhibition in Washington, D.C. on April 25, 2026. Free and Independent will tell the riveting story behind America’s most important founding document by ...

The National Archives Foundation and More Perfect announced today that the nationwide final vote was between the 13th and 14th amendments—in this first-of-its-kind competition among 100 historical records from the National Archives March 16, 2026 Washington, DC – After nine months of voting across all 50 states, the National Archives Foundation and More Perfect announced the winner of America’s ...

March 2, 2026Washington, D.C. — The Freedom Plane soared into the sky Monday from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), launching a once-in-a-generation journey to share America’s founding history with communities across the country. The specially outfitted Boeing 737—carrying original founding-era documents from the National Archives—departed Washington, D.C. to begin its historic eight-city tour in celebration of ...

Sixteen iconic documents face off in a bracket-style tournament as part of the National Archives Foundation and More Perfect’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary February 2, 2026Washington, DC – On Sunday, February 1, the National Archives Foundation, in partnership with More Perfect, debuted America’s 100 Docs Sweet 16: a public bracket-style tournament featuring the 16 documents Americans singled out ...