On Friday, November 21, the National Archives Museum will open its new flagship exhibition, The American Story, after a multi-year reimagination of its museum galleries, just in time to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial.  

Innovative, engaging, and powered by artificial intelligence, The American Story brings more than two million historic records to life and offers visitors opportunities to personally connect their lives to our nation’s storied past.

Jim Byron, Senior Advisor to the Archivist of the United States, appointed to manage the National Archives day-to-day, said: “The American Story is boldly presented in this exciting new exhibition that blends 250 years of history with the latest technologies to create a one-of-a-kind museum experience. Millions of records in the National Archives shine light on America’s exceptional people—from the founding to present day—now digitized and waiting to be explored. We encourage visitors from across the United States and around the world to add this new museum to their Washington, DC itineraries and experience The American Story.”

The American Story immerses guests in an interactive exploration of the people, ideas, and events that shaped 250 years of U.S. history through nine captivating galleries that spotlight categories of records in the National Archives. After selecting the topics of interest through AI-driven portals, visitors will be presented with historical content tailored to their individual interests that they can later revisit online.

This exhibit features several dozen historic, original artifacts, documents, patents, and film slips, including: 

• George Washington’s annotated draft Constitution
• The Louisiana Purchase Treaty 
• Notable patents, including Thomas Edison’s lightbulb, Barbie, and Yoda from Star Wars
• Declassified records from the Cuban Missile Crisis and UFO sightings 
• The first government sponsored film capturing the Wright Brothers' test flight
• State gifts to Presidents, including horseshoes gifted by Queen Elizabeth II to President George H.W. Bush

Immediately adjacent to the museum galleries is a reimagined Discovery Center, featuring educational arcade games and a classroom with hands-on civics education activities for children and families.

The American Story and Discovery Center are part of an extensive $40 million renovation, marking the first major transformation of the National Archives Museum in two decades. 

“We are proud to support a groundbreaking exhibit that harnesses innovative technology to bring history to life for the American public and generations to come," said Patrick M. Madden, Executive Director of the National Archives Foundation. "Thanks to the support of the U.S. Congress and generous contributions of many donors to the National Archives Foundation, this public-private partnership lifts our nation’s story to new and compelling heights.

The National Archives Museum renovation is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of its lead donors: the U.S. Congress and the American People, Ancestry, Governor Jim and Janet Blanchard, The Boeing Company, Tracey and Steve Caple, Comcast Corporation, Elva and Lawrence O'Brien Family Trust, Ambassador Fay Hartog-Levin, The Hearst Foundations, Marilynn Wood Hill and John A. Hill, John and Christie Johnson, Mars Family, Microsoft, Mary C. Moynihan and Alexander Schmandt, P&G, Deborah and Michael Salzberg, Seedlings Foundation, Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation, David E. Weisman & Jacqueline E. Michel, Tom and Carol Wheeler, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. 

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About the National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration is a federal agency that serves the American people by preserving and making available the records of the United States Government through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries. The National Archives is the custodian of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, on display for all to experience in Washington, DC. Learn more about the holdings of the National Archives at archives.gov.

About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at archivesfoundation.org.