National Archives Guided Tour: Exclusive Semi-Private Experience
5.0
122 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
(122 Ratings)
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Lanetted2023
Mar 11, 2024
Great Tour at Archives - Brenda was a wonderful guide, knowledgeable & entertaining with her stories. Masterful at navigating the crowds around the big 3 documents. She also showed us the other highlights in the museum. It was a great start to our trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amykm1218vy
Mar 11, 2024
National Archives Tour - Annemarie was very knowledgeable and a fantastic guide. We really enjoyed her expertise and insights on the tour! Highly recommend having her as your guide. There are things we learned that we would have not known if we were visiting on our own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
813kgr
Mar 10, 2024
A must-do! Turn old documents into exciting history! - Maribeth, our tour guide, truly elevated our National Archives experience from informative to unforgettable. From the outset, her proactive communication and warm demeanor set the stage for an engaging journey through American history. Even our 7-year-old son, typically disinterested in museums, was captivated thanks to Maribeth's ingenious methods of keeping him involved. Maribeth's wealth of knowledge transformed each artifact into a captivating story, from the iconic Declaration of Independence to the lesser-known Magna Carta of 1297. Her patience and creativity in engaging our son with interactive tasks and intriguing facts ensured that every member of our group was enthralled throughout the tour. Exploring the National Archives under Maribeth's guidance not only deepened our appreciation for the founding documents of the United States but also provided insight into the broader historical context surrounding them. From the Emancipation Proclamation to personal letters penned by presidents, each exhibit came to life with Maribeth's expert commentary. We wholeheartedly give this tour a perfect 10/10 rating and would eagerly book it again in the future. Maribeth's exceptional guidance and the rich historical content of the National Archives make this tour an absolute must-do for both locals and visitors alike. We look forward to embarking on more enlightening journeys with Maribeth as our guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Natashapk7559nc
Mar 4, 2024
National archive tour was great - Annemarie was so great! We had a wonderful time at the archives and learned so much! We got to see the documents up close and learn about the huge paintings.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C6136qgmarissac
Feb 21, 2024
Enjoyable National Archives Tour - My husband and I fully enjoyed our tour of the National Archives. Richard was a fantastic guide and a great story teller.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L3376ypbenw
Jan 25, 2024
Excellent - Ann Marie is an excellent guide. She was very knowledgeable in every aspect of the museum. We particularly enjoyed her explanation of the two large murals.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
471deanar
Jan 2, 2024
The National Archives is a treasure! - MaryBeth was full of knowledge and made the tour so much fun! We enjoyed the tour so much and cannot wait for our return visit to DC.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G7396qserinb
Dec 31, 2023
Great tour with our family, even the kids loved it! - Richard was amazing! Great tour with wonderful personal stories- def recommend Richard as a guide, he was thoughtful, informative, and professional!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fearless47881207270
Nov 20, 2023
Really cool and fun tour! - Very knowledgeable guide, amazing experience! I would recommend this tour to anyone who is coming to DC!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel_s
Oct 28, 2023
Educational - Donna was knowledgeable and made the history come alive. An educational experience. Would definitely recommend her and this tour.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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