As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., has unveiled a massive and inspiring new exhibit. Spanning 10,000 square feet, the exhibition—titled “America250: From the Declaration to Today”—aims to immerse visitors in the foundational moments of American democracy, freedom, and transformation.
The exhibit officially opened this week and marks a major milestone in the nation’s countdown to its semiquincentennial celebration. The museum, already home to the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, has elevated its offerings with this expansive and interactive display.
Designed with modern storytelling in mind, the “America250” exhibit blends traditional artifacts with cutting-edge multimedia presentations. From handwritten letters by early presidents to protest banners from civil rights movements, the exhibit showcases a wide range of American voices that shaped the country across centuries.
Interactive elements include touchscreens, digital timelines, immersive walk-through galleries, and oral history booths. Visitors can even explore replica chambers of the Continental Congress and engage with AI-powered re-enactments of pivotal debates in U.S. history.
“The goal is not just to educate,” said Debra Steidel Wall, Acting Archivist of the United States. “We want people to feel connected to the history and see how America’s story continues to evolve.”
Learn more about the National Archives Museum here.
The exhibition is divided into five major sections:
Each section uses original documents and never-before-seen artifacts, some of which were recently uncovered or newly donated.
Explore the Archives’ featured digital collections.
This exhibit is part of a broader initiative supported by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and America250, the official entity planning nationwide celebrations. Local, state, and national partners—including schools, museums, and tribal organizations—have contributed content, ideas, and materials to ensure the exhibit is as inclusive and representative as possible.
“We wanted to reflect the complexity of the American story,” said Anthea M. Hartig, Smithsonian curator and one of the consultants on the exhibit. “This is not just a tale of founding fathers; it’s a tapestry woven from millions of lives.”
As political, cultural, and generational divisions shape modern discourse, the timing of this exhibit offers a chance for collective reflection. The curators have designed the space to be not just informative but also conversational, inviting visitors to contribute their thoughts on what it means to be American today.
A special feature called “Voices of the People” lets guests record their views and predictions for the future of the country, which will be archived for public use and academic research.
Discover how to participate in America250 events.
In addition to the exhibit, the National Archives Museum will host a series of guided tours, educational programs, film screenings, and lectures over the next year. These will include panels with historians, artists, activists, and descendants of key historical figures.
Teachers can also sign up for curriculum packets and virtual field trips aimed at K-12 students across the nation. A traveling version of the exhibit is set to launch later this year, bringing key elements to schools and smaller museums in all 50 states.
Sign up for educational programs here.
The National Archives Museum is located on Constitution Avenue NW in the heart of Washington, D.C., near the National Mall. Admission is free and open to the public seven days a week. While walk-ins are welcome, advance reservations are encouraged due to increased visitor traffic.
Timed-entry passes are available on the museum’s official website. Special accommodations are also available for groups and school visits.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this exhibit stands as a powerful reminder that history is not just something we look back on—it’s something we live. Every generation contributes a new chapter to the American experiment, and this new exhibition gives citizens a place to see where we’ve been and think about where we’re headed.
Whether you’re a history buff, a teacher, or simply a curious traveler in the capital, “America250: From the Declaration to Today” is a must-visit, once-in-a-generation opportunity to witness the documents and voices that built a nation.
With the nation’s eyes on 2026, this is just the beginning.
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