Rare Founding Documents on Display at USC Museum

The National Archives' 'Freedom Plane National Tour' brings historic artifacts to Los Angeles for limited engagement.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:56pm

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph showing the faint outlines of historical documents and artifacts on display in a dimly lit museum gallery, conveying a sense of reverence and contemplation around the nation's founding ideals.The rare display of original founding documents at the USC Fisher Museum of Art offers a reflective moment to appreciate the nation's shared democratic values.Los Angeles Today

The USC Fisher Museum of Art in Los Angeles will host a traveling exhibition from the National Archives featuring rare original documents from the founding of the United States, including the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and more. The exhibition, titled 'Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation,' will run from April 17 to May 3 and is the only California stop on the eight-city tour.

Why it matters

This exhibition provides a unique opportunity for the public to view these iconic historical documents in person. The artifacts on display represent the ideals and debates that shaped the nation's founding, offering insight into the country's origins during a time of heightened political polarization.

The details

The exhibition includes an 1823 engraving of the Declaration of Independence, the 1774 Articles of Association urging a boycott of British goods, the 1778 Oaths of Allegiance signed by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, the 1783 Treaty of Paris recognizing U.S. independence, a draft of the U.S. Constitution with delegate notes, and a Senate markup of the Bill of Rights.

  • The exhibition will run from April 17 to May 3, 2026.
  • It is the third and only California stop on the eight-city 'Freedom Plane National Tour.'

The players

USC Fisher Museum of Art

The university museum hosting the National Archives' traveling exhibition in Los Angeles.

National Archives Foundation

The organization behind the 'Freedom Plane National Tour' exhibition, which is bringing these historic documents to cities across the country.

Carol L. Folt

The president of the University of Southern California, who emphasized the importance of the exhibition during a time of political division.

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What they’re saying

“Conflict and debate are not new to the history of this country. My hope is that during a time when there is distrust and disagreement, that people in this country can come away from this exhibit with an appreciation of how much we actually share in our beliefs around freedom and democracy.”

— Carol L. Folt, President, University of Southern California

“This exhibition is a reminder of shared values, even amid today's highly polarized political climate.”

— Carol L. Folt, President, University of Southern California

What’s next

The 'Freedom Plane National Tour' exhibition will continue its eight-city tour, with the next stop in Atlanta after the Los Angeles run. The USC Fisher Museum of Art is expected to welcome up to 20,000 visitors during the exhibition's limited engagement in the city.

The takeaway

This rare opportunity to view original founding documents of the United States serves as a powerful reminder of the nation's history and the ideals that have shaped its democratic institutions, even as the country navigates a period of heightened political polarization.