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.
Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged A Nation
For the first time in history, the National Archives will display Documents That Forged a Nation at major museums across the country, celebrating America's 250th Anniversary.
Inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train, the National Archives and Records Administration, in partnership with the National Archives Foundation, will bring Founding-era documents to eight American cities throughout 2026, sharing original, historical, and consequential documents fundamental to America's founding. The Freedom Plane National Tour began in March 2026 and will run through August 2026.
Read about this exhibit in National Archives News, and visit freedomplane.org to learn more.
Opening the Vault at the Presidential Libraries
Opening the Vault at the Presidential Libraries invites the public to experience the power of original documents, up close and in person. In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is sharing original, history-making records with the public in the places where Americans live, learn, and gather. Many of these documents have never left the National Archives and they are among the most iconic, marking significant events in our nation’s history.
Visit these Presidential Libraries to see the exhibit in person:
April 20 - May 25, 2026 - Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum (part of The Story of US)
June 2 - July 5, 2026 - Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Mark your calendar
Spirit of Independence Festival (hosted by the National Archives Foundation)
From June 4-6, 2026, the National Archives Foundation is hosting 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 will include 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.
Daytime programming is free. Online pre-registration is encouraged to avoid lines and streamline arrival. Guests who reserve tickets online will receive complimentary access to the National Archives Museum.
July 4th at the National Archives
On July 4, 2026, the National Archives will commemorate 250 years of America and the Declaration of Independence with its biggest celebration yet. Join for a morning ceremony before the National Independence Day Parade, complete with patriotic activities, a reading of the Declaration of Independence by historic interpreters, live performances, and more.
Reserve your tickets to the National Archives Museum ahead of this special celebration!