Simone Lawson
The original copy of the US Constitution is currently on display at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, in a room called the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. The document was signed in 1787 and superseded the Articles of Confederation in 1789, making it over 230 years old. The Constitution has been on display in its current home since 1952, with the document being hermetically sealed between glass plates to protect it from the corrosive effects of the air.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, National Archives Building, Washington, DC |
| Displayed with | The Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights |
| Date of move to current location | 1952 |
| Date of most recent preservation work | 2001 |
| Date of installation in modern display cases | 2003 |
| Date of signing | September 17, 1787 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Number of articles | 7 |
| Number of amendments | 10 |
| Opening words | "We the People" |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution's history of display
The US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, is collectively referred to as the Charters of Freedom. These documents are considered instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States, securing the rights of the American people for over two centuries.
The US Constitution was signed at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789. The opening words, "We the People", represented a new idea: that the people, not the states, were the source of the government's legitimacy.
Prior to their move to the National Archives, the Charters of Freedom were under the control of the State Department. They were displayed at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876 and were then returned to Washington, DC, where they were displayed in a cabinet within the departmental library until 1894. Due to fading, they were removed from display and placed in storage until 1920, when a committee was formed to advocate for their preservation and exhibition.
In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt expressed his desire to house the Charters of Freedom and other important historic documents in the National Archives. However, this was met with objections, and the documents remained at the Library of Congress. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover announced that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution would be exhibited at the National Archives building, which was designed by architect John Russell Pope as a shrine to American democracy. The building features two murals by Barry Faulkner, depicting fictional scenes of the "presentations" of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Today, the Charters of Freedom are permanently housed in the Rotunda of the National Archives. The Rotunda, located on the upper level of the National Archives, features a soaring domed ceiling and provides a permanent home for these foundational documents of the United States government.
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The document's preservation
The US Constitution, which superseded the Articles of Confederation, came into effect on March 4, 1789. The document, penned by Jacob Shallus, is on permanent display at the Rotunda in the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C.
The Documents Preservation
The Charters of Freedom, comprising the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, are considered the foundational documents of the United States government. The preservation of these documents is of utmost importance, given their historical and cultural significance.
The Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, underwent its first preservation efforts in 1903, when it was suggested that exposure to sunlight and moisture be reduced. However, the latter advice proved detrimental, as the parchment dried out and cracked. In 1951, more comprehensive preservation efforts commenced. The Declaration was sealed inside a bronze, bulletproof glass case, with humidified helium replacing oxygen to prevent further erosion. The glass was also filtered to minimize light exposure.
The preservation of the US Constitution is likely to follow similar methods, given its age and the fragile nature of the parchment. The National Archives, where the Constitution is housed, is responsible for ensuring the document's preservation and security. The Archives' renovated Rotunda, designed by architect John Russell Pope, provides a secure and climate-controlled environment for the Charters of Freedom.
The Constitution, along with the other founding documents, is a testament to the history and philosophy of the United States. The preservation of these documents ensures that future generations can study and appreciate the country's foundational principles. The process of amending the Constitution, as outlined in Articles Five and Six, also ensures that the document remains relevant and adaptable to the changing needs of the nation.
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The National Archives Building
The United States Constitution, one of the documents on display, is the oldest and longest-standing written constitution in the world. It superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789. The Constitution establishes the framework of the federal government, with its first three articles embodying the doctrine of the separation of powers. The famous opening words, "We the People", represent the idea that the people, not the states, are the source of the government's legitimacy.
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The Charters of Freedom
The United States Constitution, originally including seven articles, delineates the framework of the federal government. The first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative branch consists of a bicameral Congress (Article I); the executive branch is made up of the President and subordinate officers (Article II); and the judicial branch comprises the Supreme Court and other federal courts (Article III). The remaining articles embody concepts of federalism, outlining the rights and responsibilities of state governments, the relationship between states and the federal government, and the shared process of constitutional amendment.
The Constitution was signed at the 1787 Convention, superseding the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789. The opening words, "We the People", represented a new thought: the idea that the people, not the states, were the source of the government's legitimacy. The Constitution is the oldest and longest-standing written constitution in the world, and its impact has been felt around the globe.
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The US Constitution's anniversary celebrations
The US Constitution is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States of America. It is the oldest and longest-standing written constitution of any major government in the world. The US Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and superseding the Articles of Confederation, it became the nation's second constitution. The document is on permanent display at the Rotunda of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.
US Constitution Anniversary Celebrations:
The anniversary of the US Constitution is celebrated annually on September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The day commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, and recognises all those who were born in the US or became citizens by naturalisation. The day is celebrated with parades, demonstrations, and educational activities. The National Archives, which houses the original document, also offers public programs, family activities, and online resources to learn more about the US Constitution.
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, also hosts Constitution Day celebrations, including events highlighting the history and meaning of the amendments to the Constitution. The Center offers free admission to the museum, flag-raising ceremonies, scholar talks, trivia games, exhibit tours, and more. In 2022, the Center celebrated the 236th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution with the opening of a new gallery, The First Amendment. The gallery showcases and celebrates some of the most cherished freedoms in the US, including religious liberty, free speech, a free press, the freedom of assembly, and the right to petition.
In the past, the anniversary of the US Constitution has also been celebrated by issuing commemorative postage stamps and minting special coins. In 1937, the US Post Office released a stamp commemorating the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. The following year, another stamp was issued to mark the 150th anniversary of its ratification. In 1987, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing, the US Government minted a silver dollar.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution is over 235 years old. It was signed on September 17, 1787.
The US Constitution is on display at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. It has been displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom since 1952.
The US Constitution is on display to the public every day. It attracts millions of visitors each year.
The US Constitution has been preserved in a number of ways over the years. In 1952, it was hermetically sealed between glass plates with inert helium gas to protect it from the air. In 2003, it was moved to modern encasements with argon gas, and the humidity was controlled to between 25% and 35%.
