Freedom Plane National Tour Launches with Historic Documents

The National Archives brings Founding-era documents to 8 cities across the U.S. in 2026

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The National Archives announced the launch of the Freedom Plane National Tour, a celebration of America's 250th anniversary. The tour will showcase unique and original Founding-era documents, including the Oaths of Allegiance signed by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr, as well as the Treaty of Paris and a draft of the U.S. Constitution. The Freedom Plane, a specially-outfitted Boeing 737, will travel to 8 cities across the country throughout 2026, providing public access to these historic documents.

Why it matters

This tour is part of the National Archives' efforts to make America's founding documents more accessible to the public, especially for those who may not be able to visit Washington, D.C. By bringing these artifacts to cities across the country, the National Archives hopes to inspire Americans to connect with their nation's exceptional past and champion the founding ideals that have endured for 250 years.

The details

The Freedom Plane National Tour will kick off on March 6, 2026, departing from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and arriving in Kansas City, Missouri. The first stop of the tour will be at the National World War I Museum and Memorial, where the exhibition will run from March 6-22, 2026. After Kansas City, the tour will travel to Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn, and Seattle. Admission to the exhibitions will be free for the public at all tour stops.

  • The Freedom Plane National Tour launched on March 6, 2026 from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
  • The first stop of the tour will be in Kansas City, Missouri from March 6-22, 2026 at the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
  • The tour will then travel to Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn, and Seattle throughout 2026.

The players

National Archives

The National Archives is the U.S. government agency responsible for preserving and displaying the country's most important historical documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Monica Crowley

The Chief of Protocol of the United States Ambassador, who stated that the Freedom Plane National Tour is "the best gift that we can give younger generations of Americans to have that sense of America."

Jim Byron

A Senior Official at the National Archives Serving with the Authority of the Archivist of the United States, who said the tour will inspire Americans to "champion our nation's founding ideals into the future."

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What they’re saying

“It really is the best gift that we can give younger generations of Americans to have that sense of America.”

— Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol of the United States Ambassador (justhelicopters.com)

“What they prove today is that the nation that our Founding Fathers brought forth has more than survived the test of time - it has thrived. And 250 years on, we are charged with carrying on what they started, to ensure that this noble American experiment lives on, boldly and proudly.”

— Jim Byron, Senior Official at the National Archives Serving with the Authority of the Archivist of the United States (justhelicopters.com)

What’s next

The Freedom Plane will continue its national tour, bringing these historic documents to cities across the United States throughout 2026 as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations.

The takeaway

The Freedom Plane National Tour is a unique opportunity for Americans to connect with their nation's founding history and be inspired to uphold the ideals that have endured for 250 years. By making these iconic documents accessible to the public, the National Archives hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for America's exceptional past and a commitment to its continued success.