<p>Congress has restored funding of appropriated activities and NARA will resume normal operations beginning February 4, 2026. The research rooms in Washington, DC, and College Park, and the&nbsp;National Archives Museum in DC will open on time. Please visit archives.gov/locations for any additional location specific details.</p>

<p>Due to the shutdown of the federal government, National Archives facilities are closed, websites and social media may not be updated or monitored, and activities are canceled, with the following exceptions, which remain open and operational (barring holiday closures): Federal Records Centers (including the National Personnel Records Center), Federal Register, the museums only for the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum , the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, and the privately run George W. Bush Museum. The Research Rooms and administrative offices for the aforementioned Libraries will be closed during the entire shutdown of the federal government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Archives at Denver&nbsp;will open at 11&nbsp;a.m. on Monday, January 26, because of weather conditions.</p>

<p>The National Archives at Atlanta&nbsp;is closed on Monday, January 26, because of current weather conditions.</p>

<p>The National Archives at St. Louis&nbsp;is closed on Monday, January 26, because of current weather conditions.</p>

<p>The National Archives at Philadelphia&nbsp;is closed on Monday, January 26, because of current weather conditions.</p>

<p>The National Archives at Fort Worth&nbsp;is closed on Monday, January 26, because of current weather conditions.</p>

<p>The National Archives at Boston is closed on Monday, January 26, because of current weather conditions.</p>

No. NARA will not issue a negative search letter containing language related to request-specific parameters. While NARA staff may request additional information such as date of birth, possible time frame of naturalization, and place of residence to guide search approaches and aid in confirming plausible matches during a search, these details will not be incorporated into a negative search letter. NARA staff search federal court naturalization records by subject’s name and can issue a negative search letter stating that a member of the reference staff searched a specific index(es) for a federal court and did not locate a record for the individual requested. However, NARA will not issue a negative search letter in cases where there is proof that a naturalization proceeding was completed and citizenship was granted regardless of the timeframe of that action. NARA can provide a certified copy of naturalization records in its holdings.

ImageLink URLhttps://freedomplane.org/

ImageLink URLhttps://visit.archives.gov/whats-on/explore-exhibits/american-storyCaption AlignmentBottom

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** ### Documents to travel the country on Boeing 737 “Freedom Plane” for display at major museums for the first time in history On January 20, 2026, the National Archives and Records Administration, in partnership with the National Archives Foundation, announced the “Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation” traveling exhibition that will bring Founding-era documents to eight American cities throughout 2026. Inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train, the Freedom Plane National Tour will make historic and consequential documents fundamental to America’s founding accessible across the nation to celebrate the semiquincentennial. The tour will kick off in March and run through August. A livestreamed National Archives press briefing announcing the Freedom Plane National Tour was held on January 20, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET. “Americans across the country can bear witness to the people and principles that shaped our nation through the Freedom Plane National Tour,” said Senior Advisor to the Archivist of the United States Jim Byron. “There is no more noteworthy an occasion than America’s 250th birthday to share this history, to inspire our fellow Americans to champion our nation’s founding ideals into the future.” The Freedom Plane National Tour is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation, through the generous support of The Boeing Company, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, and P&G. "At Boeing, we’re honored to help bring these foundational documents directly to communities across the country,” said Jeff Shockey, Executive Vice President of Boeing Government Operations, Global Public Policy & Corporate Strategy. “Just as flight connects people and places, this tour will connect Americans to the ideas and sacrifices that forged our nation, and make history accessible to people from coast to coast.” “Through our critical support of the Freedom Plane National Tour, the National Archives Foundation is helping to bring not only founding-era documents themselves, but the patriotism, celebration, and wonder that they inspire, to Americans everywhere—from sea to shining sea,” said National Archives Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Patrick M. Madden. The “Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation” exhibition will visit the following cities: * **Kansas City, MO** : National WWI Museum and Memorial: Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 22 * **Atlanta, GA** : Atlanta History Center: Friday, March 27 – Sunday, April 12 * **Los Angeles, CA** : University of Southern California Fisher Museum of Art: Friday, April 17 – Sunday, May 3 * **Houston, TX** : Houston Museum of Natural Science: Friday, May 8 – Monday, May 25 * **Denver, CO** : History Colorado Center: Thursday, May 28 – Sunday, June 14 * **Miami, FL** : HistoryMiami Museum: Saturday, June 20 – Sunday, July 5 * **Dearborn, MI** : Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation: Thursday, July 9 – Sunday, July 26 * **Seattle, WA** : Museum of History & Industry: Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, August 16 The original National Archives records featured in the exhibition are traveling together for the first time. They will journey from Washington, DC to all eight cities via a Boeing 737 in Freedom Plane livery, and Boeing will provide the aircraft and associated operational support to transport the records between the venues. Those documents include: * **Original Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, 1823** : One of only about 50 known engraved copies of the Declaration of Independence, printed from a copperplate of the original. Commissioned by John Quincy Adams and made by engraver William J. Stone, the engraving captured the size, text, lettering, and signatures of the original document (on loan from David M. Rubenstein). * **Articles of Association, 1774** : Signed by all 53 delegates, the Articles of Association urged colonists to boycott British goods and was the Continental Congress's first major unified act of resistance against Britain. * **George Washington’s, Alexander Hamilton’s, and Aaron Burr’s Oaths of Allegiance, 1778** : Oaths of Allegiance that all officers of the Continental Army signed during the Revolutionary War. * **Treaty of Paris, 1783** : Signed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, this Treaty with Great Britain formally recognized the United States as an independent nation. * **Secret Printing of the Constitution in Draft Form, 1787** : A rare copy of the U.S. Constitution in draft form, with the delegate’s handwritten notes made during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. * **Tally of Votes Approving the Constitution, 1787** : The voting records of the Constitutional Convention reflecting the debates, resolutions, and eventual vote on the final text that would become the Constitution. “The Freedom Plane National Tour underscores that the rich history of our nation belongs to all of us, not just those Americans living in or visiting Washington, DC,” said Chair and President of the National Archives Foundation Board of Directors, Rodney E. Slater. The exhibition will be free and open to the public at all eight venues. To secure tickets, visit the individual museum websites or contact the museums directly. [For images and video for media use, please refer to the Freedom Plane National Tour Press Kit. ](https://www.archives.gov/press/press-kits/freedom-plane-national-tour) **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 www.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 www.archivesfoundation.org. **About the National WWI Museum and Memorial** The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. Learn more at www.theworldwar.org. **About Atlanta History Center** Founded in 1926, Atlanta History Center is celebrating 100 years in 2026 as one of the nation’s premier history institutions. Located on a 33-acre campus, the all-inclusive destination features the award-winning Goizueta Children’s Experience, the immersive Cyclorama: The Big Picture, and three historic houses: the 1920s Swan House, the 1860s Smith Farm, and the 1830s Wood Family Cabin. The campus also includes nine curated gardens within Goizueta Gardens and the Kenan Research Center, home to the Cherokee Garden Library. Atlanta History Center also owns and operates Atlanta History Center Midtown, home to the Margaret Mitchell House, along with gallery space and event venues. Learn more at AtlantaHistoryCenter.com. **About the USC Fisher Museum of Art** The oldest art museum in the city of Los Angeles founded in 1939 as a free public art museum and still functioning as such in its original location. With a collection of over 2500 pieces of art, USC Fisher Museum’s exhibitions range from the Old Masters to the contemporary. Learn more at fisher.usc.edu. **About Houston Museum of Natural Science** The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. Learn more at www.hmns.org. **About History Colorado Center and America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission  ** The History Colorado Center is a state-of-the-art cultural venue in the heart of Denver featuring award-winning exhibitions that share the diverse cultural heritage of the Centennial State. History Colorado is home to and a key partner of the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission, which is leading the state's 2026 commemorations and signature initiatives, including the Freedom Plane National Tour exhibition. For more information and ways to get involved, visit historycolorado.org and Am250CO150.org. **About HistoryMiami Museum  ** Founded in 1940, HistoryMiami Museum is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Miami and a Smithsonian Affiliate. It is committed to preserving and celebrating the rich history of the city, its people, and its diverse communities. With a mission to provide inclusive spaces for dialogue and reflection, the museum creates immersive exhibitions and educational programs that engage visitors in meaningful explorations of Miami’s past, present and future. Learn more at historymiami.org. **The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation** Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, a globally recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Learn more at www.thehenryford.org. **Museum of History & Industry** Museum of History & Industry is dedicated to enriching lives through preserving, sharing, and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region, and the nation. As the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington; the museum engages communities through interactive exhibits, online resources, and award-winning public and youth education programs. Learn more at mohai.org. Snippet # # # For media inquiries, please contact the National Archives at (202) 357-5300 or [email protected]. **_Connect with the National Archives on:_** **Facebook:** USNationalArchives **Instagram:** usnatarchives  **LinkedIn:  **usnatarchives  **Threads:**  usnatarchives **Tumblr:** usnatarchives **X:** @USNatArchives **YouTube:  **usnationalarchives Washington, [email protected] Archives External Affairs and Communications

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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** The National Archives and Records Administration announced that it will temporarily move over 30 remarkable documents, records and artifacts from storage vaults in Washington, DC and loan them to support exhibitions at America’s Presidential Libraries that celebrate the Semiquincentennial in 2026. This effort takes the National Archives’ ongoing exhibition series “Opening the Vault” to a national audience, and will provide Presidential Library visitors with special and exceptionally rare opportunities to get up close to important records that have shaped our nation. The documents going on display will differ at each Presidential Library, offering visitors distinct and different experiences at each museum exhibition. Documents were selected by the National Archives’ Office of Presidential Libraries in partnership with nonprofit Presidential Foundations. Featured documents that will cross the country for display include: * Thomas Edison's Patent Application for the Light Bulb, 1880 * Statue of Liberty’s Deed of Gift from the People of France, 1884 * 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that ended slavery, 1865 * FDR’s handwritten “date which will live in infamy” speech draft, 1941 * Document officializing the surrender of Germany in World War II, 1945 * Letter from Jackie Robinson to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1958 The following Presidential Libraries are hosting exhibitions to celebrate America250 that will include many of these historic documents in 2026. The Presidential Libraries are: * Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri * Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas * John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts * Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum in Austin, Texas * Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California * Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan * Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California * George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas * William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas * George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas More information about each Presidential Library’s exhibition —including opening dates and lists of documents that will be featured for display— will be announced shortly at archives.gov. Snippet # # # For media inquiries, please contact the National Archives at (202) 357-5300 or [email protected]. **_Connect with the National Archives on:_** **Facebook:** USNationalArchives **Instagram:** usnatarchives  **LinkedIn:  **usnatarchives  **Threads:**  usnatarchives **Tumblr:** usnatarchives **X:** @USNatArchives **YouTube:  **usnationalarchives 25-14Washington, [email protected] Archives Public Affairs Staff

Friday, November 21, 2025

WASHINGTON, November 21, 2025 -- The National Archives Museum opened the doors to a new flagship exhibit today, marking the completion of a technologically-advanced and immersive experience on the National Mall. Enlarge #### The Introductory Gallery of The American Story The American Story is an all-new permanent exhibition at the National Archives Museum. (Photo courtesy of the National Archives Foundation) The exhibition, entitled The American Story, captures the full range of the American experience throughout 250 years of history. Just steps away from the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, this exhibit features innovative technology utilizing artificial intelligence to create personalized experiences for every visitor, presenting a collection of more than two million records for each visitor to examine and interpret for themselves, based on their interests. At today’s dedication ceremony in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, Senior Advisor to the Acting Archivist Jim Byron said: "This museum brings documents and artifacts to life through nine galleries rooted in the records…. We're telling the unique and exceptional American story at the National Archives, and thus the exhibition's title is fitting." Ambassador Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol of the United States, delivered the ceremony’s keynote remarks; in them, she noted that the opening of this museum provides a strong connection to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. "This exhibit will bring Americans and people from around the world through a journey of our nation’s past in a very personalized way with cutting edge technology," said Ambassador Crowley. “When we talk about the quintessential [museum] experience, this will take that to the next level.” Enlarge #### Ribbon Cutting Senior Advisor to the Acting Archivist Jim Byron, 35th Chief of Protocol of the United States Monica Crowley, Chair and President of the National Archives Foundation Rodney Slater, and Executive Director of the National Archives Foundation Patrick Madden cut the ribbon to open the National Archives Museum's all new signature space, The American Story. (Photo courtesy of the National Archives Foundation) Enlarge #### Artificial Intelligence Portals A visitor interacting with one of the new AI portals featured in The American Story at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. Visitors will see many original artifacts and documents, including the Louisiana Purchase, George Washington’s annotated copy of the Constitution, a rare Stone Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, original photographs taken by Ansel Adams, and many presidential gifts. This $40 million project was the first major renovation of the National Archives Museum in more than 20 years, and was made possible by the United States Congress and the American people, the National Archives Foundation Board of Directors, and generous donors to the National Archives Foundation. The National Archives Museum also unveiled the new Discovery Center, featuring interactive and participatory games designed to teach civics to younger visitors. The Discovery Center is intended for children and families to experience the National Archives in action through fun, interactive educational games in the “Archives Arcade” and Family Room. Based on records held in the National Archives, hands-on games invite families to have fun while learning civics in an engaging way. ### **Reserve your tickets** Visitors are encouraged to reserve a free general admission ticket or a $1 timed-entry ticket to visit the museum. Tickets are not required but are recommended to improve visitor experience and leverage this new personalization system. **For more information on reserving tickets, visit the National Archives Museum website.**

On Friday, November 21, the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC will open to the public at 12 p.m. ET for the grand opening of The American Story and Discovery Center.