Malcolm Rivera
The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States. It was adopted unanimously by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and explains why the Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as independent sovereign states no longer subject to British colonial rule. The Declaration has become one of the most influential documents in history. Today, the original document is located at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 701 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20408 |
| Building | The National Archives & Records Administration Building |
| Floor | Upper level |
| Room | The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom |
| Architect | John Russell Pope |
| Room Features | Soaring domed ceiling, two murals by Barry Faulkner |
| Opening Hours | 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., seven days a week |
| Admission | Free |
| Closest Metro Stop | Archives – Navy Memorial – Penn Quarter on the Green and Yellow lines |
| Handicap Accessibility | Yes |
| Other Important Documents | The U.S. Constitution, The Bill of Rights, The Virginia Declaration of Rights |
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What You'll Learn
The National Archives in Washington, DC
The National Archives Building is located on Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 9th Streets, just north of the National Mall. The building is open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is free, and the facility is handicap accessible. The closest Metro stop is Archives – Navy Memorial – Penn Quarter on the Green and Yellow lines.
The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, located on the upper level of the National Archives, is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence. The ornate Rotunda, designed by architect John Russell Pope as a shrine to American democracy, features a soaring domed ceiling and two murals by Barry Faulkner, depicting fictional scenes of the "presentations" of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded and the reasons for separation from Great Britain. It states that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Unlike the other founding documents, the Declaration of Independence is not legally binding but has served as a powerful inspiration for people fighting for freedom and equality worldwide.
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Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is located on the upper level of the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. It is the permanent home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, have secured the rights of the American people for over two centuries and are considered fundamental to the founding and philosophy of the United States. 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 that depict fictional scenes of the "presentations" of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The Charters of Freedom are on permanent display in the Rotunda, preserved and protected in massive, bronze-framed, bulletproof, moisture-controlled sealed display cases. The room itself is rotunda-style, with the Charters flanked by Faulkner's two grand murals. One mural features Thomas Jefferson amidst the Continental Congress, while the other depicts James Madison at the Constitutional Convention. The Charters of Freedom are also displayed alongside the "Formation of the Union," which includes documents related to the evolution of the U.S. government between 1774 and 1791, such as the Articles of Association, the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, the Treaty of Paris, and Washington's First Inaugural Address.
The National Archives Building is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with free admission. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the extraordinary holdings of the National Archives, including the Founding Documents, which establish the principles of the United States and have inspired Americans to pursue a more perfect union for almost 250 years. The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is a testament to the nation's belief in self-government and the promise of liberty for all mankind.
The Charters of Freedom have undergone several preservation and conservation treatments over the years to ensure their longevity. In 2002, they were placed in newly constructed, hermetically sealed encasements in an argon atmosphere with controlled humidity to better preserve the documents. Earlier, in 2001, they were removed from their original cases and treated by conservators before being installed in new encasements for public display in 2003. These efforts reflect the importance placed on preserving the Charters of Freedom as a vital part of American history and democracy.
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Free admission and opening hours
The original Declaration of Independence is located in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. The Rotunda, designed by architect John Russell Pope, is on the upper level of the building and is the permanent home of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. These three documents are known collectively as the Charters of Freedom and are considered the three most important documents in American history.
The National Archives Building is located on Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 9th Streets, just north of the National Mall. The closest Metro stop is Archives – Navy Memorial – Penn Quarter on the Green and Yellow lines. The building is open to the public every day of the year, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week, and admission is always free.
The Rotunda features two murals by Barry Faulkner, depicting fictional scenes of the "presentations" of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The exhibition surrounding the Charters of Freedom highlights the creation and continuing significance of each document. The David M. Rubenstein Gallery, located within the National Archives Museum, is home to Records of Rights, which features numerous Archives documents and a 17-foot touchscreen summarizing American debates around essential issues such as citizenship, voting rights, equal opportunity, and free speech.
The National Archives is home to billions of records, including the Declaration of Independence, which can be viewed in the Rotunda. The condition of the parchment Declaration of Independence reflects its age and the place it has held in the hearts of Americans. Today, it is maintained under the most exacting archival conditions possible.
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The document's condition and preservation
The original Declaration of Independence is located in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom on the upper level of the National Archives in Washington, DC. The Rotunda, designed by architect John Russell Pope, serves as a shrine to American democracy, featuring two murals by Barry Faulkner that depict fictional scenes of the "presentations" of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The document is maintained under the most exacting archival conditions possible. Years of public display have resulted in fading and wear and tear on the parchment. In 2001, when the Declaration was removed from the Rotunda for placement in a new case, archivists were able to view the reverse side, which included the text "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th."
The Declaration of Independence has undergone various forms of preservation and reproduction over the years. In 1820, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams commissioned printer William J. Stone to create a full-size copperplate engraving of the document. This engraving, known as the 1823 Stone engraving, is the most frequently reproduced version of the Declaration.
The National Archives Museum, where the original Declaration of Independence is housed, offers free admission and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors can view the document and explore other exhibits showcasing the extraordinary holdings of the National Archives.
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The founding fathers' influence
The original Declaration of Independence can be viewed at the National Archives in Washington, DC. Located in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, the Declaration of Independence is one of three founding documents known as the Charters of Freedom, which also include the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These documents establish the principles of the United States and have inspired Americans to pursue a more perfect union for almost 250 years.
Now, let's delve into the influence of the Founding Fathers, a group of late-18th-century American revolutionary leaders who played a pivotal role in the nation's formation. They united the Thirteen Colonies, guided the War of Independence from Great Britain, established the United States of America, and crafted a unique framework of government.
The Founding Fathers' vision was to create a form of government that restricted central power, protected citizens' rights, and ensured the consent of the governed. They were young men with a passion for liberty and the courage to forge a new path. However, it is important to acknowledge that they were not without their flaws. Many of them were slaveholders, and they struggled to address issues like slavery and the debt that burdened the country after the Revolutionary War.
The influence of the Founding Fathers extends beyond the Declaration of Independence. They were instrumental in drafting other key documents, such as the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. Their letters, journals, and records, accessible through Founders Online, provide a glimpse into their thoughts and the evolution of their democratic ideals. The Founding Fathers' legacy is an ongoing conversation, with historians recognizing both their achievements and their shortcomings in shaping the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
The original Declaration of Independence is located in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C.
The building is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
No, admission to the National Archives Building is free.
The easiest way to reach the National Archives is via Metrorail. The closest Metro stop is Archives – Navy Memorial – Penn Quarter on the Green and Yellow lines.
In addition to the Declaration of Independence, you can also view the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, as well as exhibits showcasing historical records and documents.
