Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
There are multiple ways to celebrate this landmark anniversary with the National Archives!
Upcoming
July 4th at the National Archives
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 the Declaration of Independence. Additional free family-friendly activities include a chance to meet reenactors portraying the Founding Fathers and Mothers, live musical performances, face painting, t-shirt giveaways, balloon artists, arts and crafts, and more.
How to watch online: The 10 a.m. ceremony will be livestreamed on the National Archives YouTube channel and on the U.S. National Archives Facebook page.
Ongoing
Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation
The National Archives and Records Administration, in partnership with the National Archives Foundation, is hosting the “Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation,” a traveling exhibition that is bringing original, Revolutionary-era documents to eight American cities throughout 2026. Inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train, the Freedom Plane National Tour is making historic documents accessible to Americans across the country.
The American Story: New Museum Space
In November 2025, the National Archives Museum opened a new, 10,000-square-foot exhibit and education space—The American Story—to the public with original objects, documents, film, and more from the holdings. This state-of-the-art visitor experience features interactive technology that allows for personalized engagement with original record displays—a first-of-its-kind experience in a history museum. Throughout The American Story, visitors are invited to use digital portals to tailor their visit based on personal interests.
New Temporary Exhibit: Free & Independent
On April 25, 2026, the National Archives Museum debuted its new special exhibition in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Free and Independent: A Celebration of the Declaration shares the story behind the Declaration of Independence: how it came to be, how it has been protected for 250 years, and how the United States has celebrated its signing throughout history.
This special exhibition will run through July 5th, 2027, and is free and open to the public.
Past
Spirit of Independence Festival
From June 4-6, 2026, the National Archives Foundation presented the Spirit of Independence Festival, a spectacular multi-day festival to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Hosted beneath a tent spanning two city blocks in front of the National Archives, the festival included free daytime events for families and three evening benefit events to support the Foundation and its effort to engage the American public with our nation’s history.
Emancipation Proclamation and 19th Amendment Rotunda Displays
For the first time since 1952, the National Archives in late March 2026 welcomed new document cases in the Rotunda when it unveils the original 1863 Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, and the original 19th Amendment ratified in 1920. While the Founding Documents—the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights—established the nation’s path during the revolutionary and colonial period, the addition of the Emancipation Proclamation and 19th Amendment to the Rotunda demonstrates the nation’s continued journey to expand rights to its citizens.
America’s 100 Docs: Sweet 16 Tournament
After nine months of voting across all 50 states, the National Archives Foundation and More Perfect announced the winner of America’s 100 Docs: America’s Most Significant Document from the National Archives is the 14th Amendment.
America’s 100 Docs will continue to be available as a resource for educators, students, and the public. Explore and vote on all 100 records at www.100docs.vote.
All of this is made possible thanks to our generous 250th partners and sponsors.
Official Partners
Sponsors
