Malcolm Rivera
The US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, is housed in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. These documents are collectively known as the Charters of Freedom, which establish the principles of the United States and have inspired Americans to pursue a more perfect union for almost 250 years. The Rotunda, designed by architect John Russell Pope, serves as a shrine to American democracy, featuring a soaring domed ceiling and two murals. The Charters of Freedom were transferred to the National Archives in 1952, and they are now safely preserved and exhibited in a custom-built, bomb-and fire-proof safe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | The Rotunda of the National Archives Building, Washington, D.C. |
| Address | 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408 |
| Year moved to current location | 1952 |
| Previous location | State, War, and Navy Building in Washington, DC (now the Eisenhower Executive Office Building) |
| Preservation | Encased in glass with inert helium and sealed |
| Placed in a custom-built, 50-ton, steel and concrete, bomb- and fire-proof safe | |
| Exhibition | Displayed in a custom-built safe at night and then raised into display cases during the day |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The US Constitution is kept at the National Archives in Washington, DC
- The Rotunda at the National Archives is its permanent home
- The Charters of Freedom are housed in a bomb- and fire-proof safe
- The US Constitution is displayed in a glass encasement filled with inert helium
- The National Archives Building is one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, DC
The US Constitution is kept at the National Archives in Washington, DC
The National Archives has been the home of these vital documents since 1952, when they were transferred from the State Department. Prior to this move, the documents had been displayed at various locations, including the Centennial Exhibition in 1876 in Philadelphia and the State, War, and Navy Building in Washington, DC. However, due to concerns about their preservation, they were placed in storage in 1894.
In 1920, efforts to preserve and exhibit the documents resumed, and in 1921, President Warren G. Harding ordered their transfer to the Library of Congress. The National Archives Building, designed by architect John Russell Pope, was constructed with a grand exhibition hall specifically intended to showcase these founding documents. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover announced that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution would be exhibited at the National Archives.
The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, located on the upper level of the National Archives Museum, serves as the permanent home for these documents. The Rotunda, designed by John Russell Pope, features a soaring domed ceiling and two murals by artist Barry Faulkner. The US Constitution, housed within this ornate space, is the original signed, handwritten document from 1787. Its preservation has been a subject of scientific interest, with measures such as inert helium and controlled humidity employed to protect it from deterioration.
Who Can Negotiate Treaties With Foreign Powers?
You may want to see also
The Rotunda at the National Archives is its permanent home
The Rotunda at the National Archives is the permanent home of the original US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. These documents are collectively known as the Charters of Freedom. Located in Washington, DC, the National Archives Museum is open to the public daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The Rotunda, designed by architect John Russell Pope, is situated on the upper level of the museum. It was designed as a shrine to American democracy, with a soaring domed ceiling and two murals by artist Barry Faulkner adorning the space above the exhibit cases.
The US Constitution, along with the other Charters of Freedom, was transferred to the National Archives in 1952. Previously, the documents were under the control of the State Department and were displayed at various locations, including the Centennial Exhibition in 1876 in Philadelphia and the State, War, and Navy Building in Washington, DC. The documents were then stored until 1920 when a committee was formed to advocate for their preservation and exhibition. In 1921, President Warren G. Harding ordered the transfer of the Charters of Freedom to the Library of Congress.
The National Archives Building was designed with a grand exhibit hall specifically intended to house the Charters of Freedom. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover announced that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution would be exhibited at the National Archives. The Rotunda, also known as the Exhibition Hall, features a custom-built, 50-ton, steel and concrete safe that is bomb-proof and fire-proof. The safe includes a specially designed elevator that allows the documents to be stored securely and then raised into their display cases during the day.
The US Constitution is a significant piece of American history, celebrating its connection to NASA and the science behind its preservation. The document is placed in a glass encasement filled with inert helium to ensure its protection. The National Archives now hold all the key documents of the nation's founding, and the building has become one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, DC.
Research Engagement: Activities That Define Involvement
You may want to see also
The Charters of Freedom are housed in a bomb- and fire-proof safe
The US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, are known collectively as the Charters of Freedom. These documents establish the principles of the United States and have inspired Americans to pursue a more perfect union for almost 250 years. They are considered instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States.
The Charters of Freedom are housed in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. The Rotunda was designed by architect John Russell Pope as a shrine to American democracy, with a soaring domed ceiling and two murals by Barry Faulkner above the exhibit cases. The National Archives Building became the home of the Charters of Freedom in 1952, after they were transferred from the State Department, where they had been controlled since 1894.
The Charters of Freedom are kept in a custom-built, 50-ton, steel and concrete safe that is bomb- and fire-proof. The safe was built by the Mosler Safe Company and includes a specially designed elevator that allows the documents to be stored in a secure vault at night and then raised into their display cases during the day. The safe is also shock-, water-, and theft-proof, providing the utmost protection for these important documents.
The National Archives Building is located at 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408 and is open to the public daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is located on the upper level of the building and is a popular destination for those interested in American history and democracy.
The Federalist and Anti-Federalist Standoff
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The US Constitution is displayed in a glass encasement filled with inert helium
The US Constitution is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It defines the framework of the Federal Government of the United States and is considered instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the country. The original, signed, handwritten Constitution is kept at the National Archives in Washington, DC. The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, located on the upper level of the National Archives, is the permanent home of the US Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
The Charters of Freedom were transferred to the National Archives in 1952, after previously being displayed at the Centennial Exhibition in 1876 in Philadelphia, and then stored within the State Department library until 1894. The documents were then kept in storage until 1920, when a committee was formed to advocate for their preservation and exhibition. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover announced that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution would be exhibited at the National Archives building. The Rotunda was designed by architect John Russell Pope as a shrine to American democracy, with its soaring domed ceiling and two murals by Barry Faulkner above the exhibit cases.
The National Archives building in Washington, DC, is located at 701 Constitution Ave. NW, and is open to the public daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The building is currently undergoing renovations, with plans to reopen in 2025.
Labor Secretary: Ensuring Fairness and Safety at Work
You may want to see also
The National Archives Building is one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, DC
The National Archives Building in Washington, DC, is one of the most popular places to visit in the city. The building is home to the Charters of Freedom, which include the US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. These documents are considered instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States. The Charters of Freedom were moved to the National Archives in 1952, and they are now housed in a custom-built, 50-ton, steel and concrete, bomb-and fire-proof safe. The safe includes a specially designed elevator that allows the documents to be stored securely at night and then raised into their display cases during the day.
The National Archives Building is located at 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408 and is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Timed entry tickets are not required but are recommended to avoid long wait times. The building features a Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, which was designed by architect John Russell Pope as a shrine to American democracy. The ornate Rotunda features a soaring domed ceiling and two murals by Barry Faulkner.
The National Archives Museum hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the billions of records held by the Archives. The David M. Rubenstein Gallery, located within the museum, features the "Records of Rights" exhibition, which incorporates the stories of individuals, including African Americans, women, and immigrants, who have shaped American history. The William G. McGowan Theater, a 290-seat theater located on the lower level of the National Archives Building, hosts various programs and events.
The National Archives Building offers a variety of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. From author lectures to family days, there is something for everyone to deepen their understanding of American history and the founding documents. The building is currently undergoing renovations to its permanent galleries, learning center, and theater, with plans to reopen these areas in 2025. In the meantime, the Education staff continues to facilitate on-site education programs for students and teacher professional development sessions.
Brain Pop's Guide to the US Constitution and Federal Government
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution is kept in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.
The US Constitution arrived at the National Archives on December 13, 1952.
The National Archives Building is a museum and exhibition space for important US founding documents.
The Rotunda is a shrine to American democracy, designed by architect John Russell Pope, and features two murals by Barry Faulkner.
The three documents are collectively known as the Charters of Freedom.
