America's Founding Documents Embark on Historic Tour

Rare historical records will travel across the U.S. as part of 250th anniversary celebrations

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Some of the United States' most important historical documents, including the 1783 Treaty of Paris and the 1774 Articles of Association, are beginning a first-of-its-kind journey across the country as part of the nation's 250th anniversary commemoration. Typically housed in highly controlled vaults at the National Archives, these documents signed by George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and other American revolutionary leaders will be put on display for free at local museums in cities across the U.S.

Why it matters

This tour of America's founding documents is a unique opportunity for the public to engage with tangible history and marks a significant milestone in the country's 250th anniversary celebrations. By making these rare records accessible to communities nationwide, the tour aims to inspire patriotism and a deeper appreciation for the nation's history.

The details

The documents, which include a rare original engraving of the Declaration of Independence and the Oaths of Allegiance signed by George Washington and other Continental Army officers, will be transported on a Boeing 737 "Freedom Plane" and displayed at museums in cities such as Kansas City, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn, and Seattle. Local schools have already booked visits for more than 5,000 schoolchildren to see the documents.

  • The tour began on Monday, March 4, 2026.
  • The documents will be on display at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri starting on Friday.

The players

National Archives

The government agency that typically houses and preserves the founding documents in highly controlled vaults.

America 250

A congressionally chartered commission coordinating events and activities to mark America's 250th anniversary.

Freedom 250

A White House-led initiative also coordinating events for the 250th anniversary celebration.

National WWI Museum and Memorial

The museum in Kansas City, Missouri that will host the first stop of the founding documents tour.

Matt Naylor

The president and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

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What they’re saying

“It's tangible history, and tangible history inspires. These documents have not traveled, and they've certainly not traveled collectively, ever. They are here in vaults.”

— Jim Byron, Senior Adviser to the Acting Archivist of the United States

“The reality that these documents are leaving DC and coming to the heartland is fantastic.”

— Matt Naylor, President and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial

What’s next

The "Freedom Plane" tour will continue to cities across the country, with the documents being displayed at local museums for the public to view.

The takeaway

This unprecedented tour of America's founding documents is a powerful way to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary and inspire patriotism and civic engagement among communities nationwide. By making these rare historical records accessible outside of Washington, D.C., the tour aims to deepen the public's connection to the country's origins and democratic principles.