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Museum of American History and National Archives Group Tour

5.0
(65 reviews)
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Make your way to the National Archives Museum on the National Mall. Learn about the creation of the United States as you start with the handwritten “Charters of Freedom” in the Rotunda. Discover documents and paintings from America's founding such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. In the Rubenstein Gallery, delve into the philosophical foundations with the 1297 Magna Carta, and explore the evolving concept of citizenship.Break for lunch, then head to the National Museum of American History. Trace the story of the United States from George Washington’s Revolutionary sword through the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ and see the Greensboro lunch counter that helped launch the Civil Rights Movement on a national stage. Take in a collection of ‘First Ladies’ gowns, then explore the golden age of Hollywood in an exhibit that includes Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from "The Wizard of Oz." This tour concludes at the National Museum of American History, close to National Mall attractions and sites.

Overview

Make your way to the National Archives Museum on the National Mall. Learn about the creation of the United States as you start with the handwritten “Charters of Freedom” in the Rotunda. Discover documents and paintings from America's founding such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. In the Rubenstein Gallery, delve into the philosophical foundations with the 1297 Magna Carta, and explore the evolving concept of citizenship.

Break for lunch, then head to the National Museum of American History. Trace the story of the United States from George Washington’s Revolutionary sword through the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’ and see the Greensboro lunch counter that helped launch the Civil Rights Movement on a national stage. Take in a collection of ‘First Ladies’ gowns, then explore the golden age of Hollywood in an exhibit that includes Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from "The Wizard of Oz." This tour concludes at the National Museum of American History, close to National Mall attractions and sites.

Itinerary

  • The National Archives Museum

    This is the best way to skip-the-line and save time, to explore the experiment that is the United States of America! Start with the original handwritten “Charters of Freedom” housed in their spectacular Rotunda. Your guide will narrate the extraordinary circumstances that brought this nation into existence. No trip to the US Capital city is complete without a visit to the National Archives. Surround yourself with documents and paintings that offer both depth and nuance to the period that founded the United States of America. And at Babylon we take it a step farther. In the Rubenstein Gallery, go even deeper into the philosophical foundations by viewing a 1297 copy of the Magna Carta. Your guide will encourage you to explore the concept of citizenship, what it means and how the criteria for those included have evolved from a declaration which stated “all men are created equal”.

    2 hours
    Admission Included
  • American History Museum

    After a break to ponder the complexity of history (and grab a bite) your guide will lead you to the Smithsonian American History Museum. This museum is a caretaker for an incredible blend of scholarly history and pop culture whose memories create a unique bond among the people who experienced them. Your guide will introduce you to the most famous items in the collection, like the flag that flew over Ft McHenry inspiring the poem that was eventually adapted into the National Anthem.

    Featured too is the most visited exhibition in the history of the Smithsonian: the First Ladies exhibit. While you’re there, see why the most requested artifact is Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers — displayed not too far from the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore that fateful night to Ford’s Theatre. Your guide will provide stories and background to expand on the reason these items (out of hundreds of thousands in the collection) serve as living touchstones for the concept we call the United States of America.

    3 hours

Location

Meeting Point Map

Address

701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, USA

Open Google Map

Experience

Highlights

  • See important documents at the National Archives
  • Learn about key moments in American History
  • See Lincoln's top hat, the Star-Spangled Banner, and more
  • Small group ensures personal service
  • Inclusions

    • Semi-Private Walking Tour & Museum Tour
    • Duration 5.5 Hours (Including A Lunch Break)
    • Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine
    • Professional Tour Guide
    • Semi-Private" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum

    Exclusions

    • 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

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
    • A maximum of 8 people per tour allowed
    • 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: The National Archives & American History Museum and other attractions or museums in London 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.

    Guide Languages

    • English

    Cancellation Policy

    • A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.

    • No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.

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