Frommer's Review
The Rotunda of the National Archives displays the country's most important original documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights (collectively known as the Charters of Freedom). Until recently, however, it wasn't possible to get a very good look at these documents, and when you did, you had to view the Constitution one page at a time. A superb renovation showcases the exhibit, known as "The National Archives Experience," whose display cases allow all visitors, but especially children and those in wheelchairs, much better viewing of the Charters. And, for the first time, you are able to see all four pages of the Constitution in one visit. Fourteen document cases trace the story of the creation of the Charters and the ongoing influence of these fundamental documents on the nation and the world. A restoration of Barry Faulkner's two larger-than-life murals brings the scenes to vivid life. One mural, titled The Declaration of Independence, shows Thomas Jefferson presenting a draft of the Declaration to John Hancock, the presiding officer of the Continental Congress; the other, titled The Constitution, shows James Madison submitting the Constitution to George Washington and the Constitutional Convention. Be sure not to miss viewing the original 1297 Magna Carta, on display as you enter the Rotunda; the document is one of only three or four known to exist, and the only original version residing permanently in the United States.
In late 2004, the National Archives debuted Public Vaults, an exhibit that features interactive technology and displays of documents and artifacts to explain the country's development in the use of records, from Indian treaties to presidential websites. You can listen to recorded voices of past presidents as they deliberated over pressing issues of the time, and you can scour newly declassified documents. During the day, the William C. McGowan Theater continually runs dramatic films illustrating the relationship between records and democracy in the lives of real people, and at night it serves as a premier documentary film venue for the city. The Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery rotates exhibitions of Archives documents.
As a federal institution, the National Archives is charged with sifting through the accumulated papers of a nation's official life -- billions of pieces a year -- and determining what to save and what to destroy. The Archives' vast accumulation of census figures, military records, naturalization papers, immigrant passenger lists, federal documents, passport applications, ship manifests, maps, charts, photographs, and motion picture film (and that's not the half of it) spans 2 centuries. Anyone age 16 and over is welcome to use the National Archives center for genealogical research -- this is where Alex Haley began his work on Roots. Call for details.
The National Archives building itself is worth an admiring glance. The neoclassical structure, designed by John Russell Pope (also the architect of the National Gallery of Art and the Jefferson Memorial) in the 1930s, is an impressive example of the Beaux Arts style. Seventy-two columns create a Corinthian colonnade on each of the four facades. Great bronze doors mark the Constitution Avenue entrance and four large sculptures representing the Future, the Past, Heritage, and Guardianship sit on pedestals near the entrances. Huge pediments crown both the Pennsylvania Avenue and Connecticut Avenue entrances to the building. Allow about 90 minutes to view everything.
Avoiding the Lines at the National Archives -- You'll still have to pass through a security clearance line, but you can avoid the general admission line by contacting visitorservices@nara.gov to reserve a space on a self-guided tour, or call tel. 202/357-5450 for a slot on a guided tour of the National Archives.
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