National Archives Guided Tour: Exclusive Semi-Private Experience
5.0
124 Ratings
Washington

This semi-private guided tour, limited to 8 guests, offers a 1.5 to 2 hour intimate experience of viewing the modest documentation that led to the creation of the world’s most influential country. The National Archives presents you the authentic documents that established the United States of America.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The National Archives Museum - Step through the doors of this majestic neoclassical building, considered a temple to American history. Follow your guide, starting at the National Archives Rotunda to learn about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution while standing in front of the perfectly-preserved documents from the 17th and 18th centuries. Alongside the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers, they all feature the signatures of world-famous statesmen like Alexander Hamilton.

Next, in the Public Vaults Exhibits, letters written by presidents including George Washington and John F. Kennedy are on display. The United States’ turbulent racial past comes alive while learning about the Emancipation Proclamation, which helped end slavery in the 19th century. More recent papers, like a citation issued to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, illustrates how long these racial issues lasted. Finally, in the Rubenstein Gallery, examine even older documents like the Magna Carta of 1297. Although it was written well before the Americas were even discovered by Europeans, it heavily influenced many of the other artifacts you’ll see in the National Archives.

What's Included
  • Semi-Private Museum Tour
  • Duration 1.5 - 2 Hours
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Group Size Never More Than 8 Guests
What's Not Included
  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
  • Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Additional Information
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • Notes: American History Museum and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with ‘Skip the Line’ or ‘No Wait’ access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Location
National Archives Museum
Constitution Avenue Northwest
Meet your guide on the corner of 9th Street NW and Constitution Ave.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(124 Ratings)
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Q3996heabbys
May 19, 2024
Maribeth - Maribeth brought the Archives alive. I loose Interest reading history quickly and with Maribeth’s passion and energy I walked away from the tour learning a few things and enjoying the building.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tourist736923
May 16, 2024
Maribeth deserve six out of 5 stars - Maribeth was an excellent guide! We have done a lot of private tours all around the world, and this one was one of the best. She was knowledgeable and interesting, friendly, courteous, and genuine.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richard_m
May 9, 2024
Loved all the exhibits and the history behind each one, our guide was brilliant, her knowledge was incredible. - All of it was amazing, loved the history and seeing the original documents which built the foundations of the USA.
Review provided by Viator
Sarahc4498dj
May 4, 2024
Worth it! - Maribeth made the experience at The Archives so enjoyable. There is so much we would have missed had we not gone on the tour with her. She kept a great pace - told interesting stories - and held our attention! My husband agreed the tour was a great addition to our time in Washington DC!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Go651441
Apr 23, 2024
Wonderful tour of the National Archives - Annemarie was terrific! A fabulous history lesson on our country’s founding documents and the architecture of the archives as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christianmz8161sm
Apr 14, 2024
Great Tour of the National Archives - Excellent tour! Maribeth shared her intimate knowledge of history starting with the Magna Carta and built the tour around it. Loved getting up close to the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights coupled with snippets of history to tie it all together! Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susiesw7275wq
Apr 12, 2024
National Archives - Brenda was awesome! So knowledgeable and engaging! Her great story telling saved us from a lot of museum reading at the end of our trip when we were tired!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ichow_h
Apr 11, 2024
Great tour - The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommended to everyone visiting Washington DC.
Review provided by Viator
Stanr589
Apr 8, 2024
Excellent tour guide & Terrific educational experience - Annemarie is an excellent tour guide! The tour started promptly at the scheduled time, 10am on a Saturday. Another couple was part of our group, total of 4 ppl plus Annemarie. It was great to skip the line; after a quick security scan, we were inside the archives in no time. For the next 2 hours, Annemarie gave us a well-informed tour through history, full of pertinent facts as well as several interesting side notes. As we progressed through exhibits, the pace seemed very natural. There was plenty of time for pictures and questions. Overall, we really enjoyed the experience and would definitely do it again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Celargyle
Apr 7, 2024
Informative narrative. - Our guide, AnnaMarie was very knowledgeable and able to share that information with us in a manner that kept our attention. She moved us through the archives expertly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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