National Archives Building DC
Road Trip Stops . Washington DC . Washington DCNational Archives Building DC
After passing by St. Patrick’s Church, my son and I walked by the National Archives building. Twice now I’ve passed this building and both times I really wanted to go in.
The thing is, when I do get the chance to go into the National Archives, I want to go in with a plan. I want to know what to look for while I’m in there and get the most out of the experience.
I have not taken the time to prepare for that yet. So, for now, I will have to admire this building from the outside only.
I’ve passed by it on two different trips. Both times, I stopped and admired the building from across the street for a few minutes. One day I will get in there.
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About National Archives Building DC
The National Archives Museum houses our country’s founding documents and so many more historical records. The Faulkner Murals grace the curved walls of the Rotunda which depict fictional scenes of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
Photography is not allowed here. The light from camera flashes speeds up the rate at which the documents fade. People often forget to turn the flash off and use their cameras automatic setting. So, the no photography policy, low lightening, and cold temperature protects the precious documents.
The National Archives Museum is located at 701 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC 20408. There is a security screening to get in, but it is quick and easy provided you are not trying to sneak in things you ought not sneak in.
Timed entry tickets are required for entry into the National Archives. Six tickets per session can be purchased at one time. Entry into the National Archives is free but there is a non-refundable $1 convenience charge per ticket.
Late arrivals may or may not be permitted entry. Tickets are available for 10am through 1:30pm which allows viewing of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights before the Rotunda closes at 2pm sharp. All other exhibits close at this time as well.
Summary
So this wasn’t really a road trip stop since we didn’t even go inside. But it is a road trip stop that we will eventually get to see the inside of.
Right now, much of it is closed due to Covid, but hopefully it will re-open by the time we make it up there again.
Have you been there? I’d love to hear what you thought of it. How did you feel viewing our country’s founding documents?
Please drop a few lines in the comments box below and let me know how your visit went.
In the meantime, safe travels!
~Kris M.
P.S. If you happen to use travel journals, be sure to check out the travel journal I created for my future Washington DC Road Trips.
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