The DC Traveler

The Rotunda of the National Archives in Washington, DC houses probably the most important documents related to personal freedom, The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution along with the Bill of Rights are a monument to democracy, freedom, self-government and equality.

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson in June of 1776, The Declaration of Independence is the most important U.S. symbol of liberty and self determination. The famous document lists a number of grievances against King George of England as a form of justification for breaking of colonial ties between England and the colonies.

After a month-long absence due to its protective case being upgraded, it’s once again on display.

The U.S. Constitution was initially ratified in 1787.

Throughout the Constitution’s history, over 10,000 Constitutional amendments have been introduced by Congress, yet only 27 changes have been it through the Ratification process.

By 1791, the initial ten amendments (Bill of Rights) were added.

Since then, an 17 additional amendments were added, including the abolition of slavery (1765), giving women the right to vote (1920) and making the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors illegal (1919) and then repealing the same 14 years later.

Averaging a new amendment about once every 13 years, the last amendment was added in 1992, limiting congressional pay raises.

The longest period in history without an amendment to the Constitution was 64 years, from 1801 until 1865. And the busiest period was the eight years from 1913 until 1920, when Congress and the states passed the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th amendments, dealing with income tax, the election of senators, prohibition and women’s right to vote.

Currently 4 amendments could technically be ratified by the states, but are highly doubtful to be ever considered. They include:

• The Congressional Appointment Amendment - Last voted upon in 1791. This amendment created during the early stages of the American Congress sets a minimum number of members of Congress to be maintained at either 100 or 200, whenever that number was reached. Considering there are over 400 members today, it doubtful it will ever be resurrected.
• The Anti-Title of Nobility Amendment - Last voted upon in 1812. This anti-royalty amendment would result in the loss of citizenship if any citizen, without the consent of Congress, accepted or received any title of nobility from a foreign power.
• The Slavery Amendment - Last vote upon in 1862 - This pre-Civil War amendment would have prohibited Congress from making any law interfering with the State’s “domestic institutions” (including slavery).
• The Child Labor Amendment - Last ratification attempt 1937.
  In 1926, an amendment was proposed to allow Congress the power to regulate child labor. Eleven years later it had not passed. Other laws were enacted making an amendment not necessary.

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Additionally, two other amendments have expired, including:

• The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) - Sent to the states in 1972, expired in 1982.
• The Washington DC Voting Rights Amendment - Proposed in 1978 and expired in 1985.

Other documents are on display and rotate periodically, including several of George Washington’s letters to Congress, a police report on the assassination of President Lincoln, copies of FDR’s fireside chats, declassified documents from World War II, and President Richard Nixon’s resignation letter. Historical photos and other items are also on display.

The 300-seat McGowan Theater theater shows a short orientation film about the Archives, and twice-daily, a documentary on the Charters of Freedom (Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights).

The National Archives
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (Research Entrance)
Visitors should enter The National Archives Rotunda
Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW.
Washington, DC 20408 (map it)

Dates and Times - Daily 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., until 7:00 p.m. March 15th through Labor Day. The last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.

The research library (entrance on Pennsylvania Ave.) is also open a couple evenings each month until 8:45 p.m.

Admission - Free. You can avoid lines by making advanced reservation for the self-guided tour. Contact Visitor Services at [email protected] to Request a date and time, noting the number in your party. If the date and time is available, you’ll receive a confirmation letter (must be presented upon entry). Use the Special Event entrance. Armed Forces personnel in uniform and their guests can also use the Special Events entrance and avoid the public lines.

Lines tend e longest on weekends, holidays and during the peak summer tourist season and during school breaks.

1-Hour Guided Tours - Available to individuals or groups (up to 20), Monday - Friday at 9:45 a.m. Reservations are required and it’s best to make your request 6 weeks in advance by calling 202-357-5450.

Nearest Metro Subway Station - Archives/Navy Memorial - Green or Yellow line, then a 1-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking - Metered street parking is available on Constitution Ave.

Images - Exterior - from personal collection - © 2008 - Jon Rochetti, Rotunda interior - Nat’l. Archives, Archives Rotunda - Flickr

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