National Archives
add photosThe National Archives is home to all the records of the Federal Government.
5 Reviews for National Archives
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'10, '11
1 family found this helpful
"Much more than just documents !!"
How often have you thought about the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, or Bill of Rights? How about the Magna Carta? Whether or not you realize it, these documents affect your life every day. Seeing them up close is something that every American should do if given the chance. Beyond that, the National Archives is not just about stodgy old parchments. Inside, there is much more to do. Documentary films play all day in the theater, introducing visitors to the Archives and examining the history of the Charters of Freedom. An ever-changing exhibit in the gallery details through photos and documents different moments in our history. The Public Vaults are interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to step beyond the walls of the museum and into the records that it holds, from Presidential documents to draft cards and immigration records. The Rotunda not only contains the Charters of Freedom but several paintings that beg your attention as well as inspiring architecture. I recommend that everyone take the time to visit this National Treasure. Set aside at least 2 hours to experience everything the Archives have to offer. During busy times, there will be a line in the Rotunda that will take quite a few minutes to move through. We spent 40 minutes in there alone, not to mention the time spent in the other areas of the Archives. Strollers are more than welcome and the entire building seemed to have adequate disabled access.
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2 families found this helpful
"Educational, but not necessarily fun"
The highlight of the National Archives is, of course, the Constitution and related documents. There is also a copy of the Magna Carta on display. It's extremely interesting, educational, and awe-inspiring. It's also a really long wait, crowded, and quite honestly, pretty dull for kids. There are kids who would probably enjoy being here, but I think the majority are like my 12 year old cousin, who didn't really have a choice but to be dragged along to see boring old stuff. I definitely wouldn't bring small children here. And if you see a short line while you are walking by, stand in it. Because tomorrow, the day you planned to visit, that line is going to be even longer and you'll be kicking yourself. I speak from experience.
1 family found this helpful
"A long wait for a small museum"
First on the plus side you will see 4 amazing historical documents right before your eyes - the magna carta; the declaration of independence, the constitution and the bill of rights. However, in summer lines can be long, the space around each document is fairly small so it is crowded. Best for older elemetry and up who can grasp the importance of these documnets.
0 families found this helpful
"Long line - big kids only"
I recently traveled with an 8th grade class to DC and we waited in a very long line to get into see the Constitution. The only reason the line was worth it is because the kids had just studied it in school. If your kids are younger then 7th grade I'd say "skip it".
0 families found this helpful
"Watch National Treasure before you go!"
If you have children old enough, watch National Treasure before you go. It will make seeing the Declaration of Independence more interesting to them and it is something they can relate to. My husband, the history buff, had to see the National Archives and I was wary of making the trek with small children. We went with 4 children under the age of 7 and 6 adults. Go early or prepare to wait outside in a line. We waited about 30m and it was very crowded inside. The tour is easy if you are self guiding. It is relatively quiet inside and luckily our children were able to be respectful. The Rotunda is easy to walk through. I have to admit that the highlight of the kids' adventure was the elevator!!!
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