Freedom 250
Celebrating the Triumph of the American Spirit
On July 4, 2026, our nation will celebrate a significant milestone: 250 years of American Independence. This pivotal moment offers an opportunity to reflect on our country's past, cultivate a renewed appreciation for American history, explore the beauty of our nation, and ignite a spirit of adventure and innovation that will elevate our country to new heights for generations to come.
“With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures, America began the greatest political journey in human history.”
— President Donald J. Trump
National Archives Museum: Home to the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, announces a complete break with Britain and expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The National Archives Museum is home to the original Declaration of Independence, on display in the Rotunda of the National Archives Museum, along with the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Happening Now
The National Archives is proud to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. Some exciting exhibits and celebrations include:
Free and Independent: A Celebration of the Declaration
In celebration of America's 250th birthday, the newest temporary exhibition at the National Archives Museum 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.
Read about this exhibit in National Archives News, or learn more and reserve tickets at visit.archives.gov.
The American Story
The American Story showcases items and records in the National Archives that tell important moments in our nation's history. Visitors will get up close to more than 40 original artifacts and documents, including a rare 1823 Stone Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's annotated copy of the Constitution, and a rotating display of presidential gifts.
Read about this exhibit in National Archives News, and learn more and reserve tickets at visit.archives.gov.
Opening the Vault
Some of the nation’s most historic treasures are now on display in a new, temporary exhibition at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.
Opening the Vault features ties to the American Revolution, celebrating and leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
For the first time in many years, visitors will see iconic and historically valuable documents in the Rotunda within the National Archives Museum, highlighting moments and people that shaped American history.