About the National Archives

Building an Archives

"This building holds in trust the records of our national life and symbolizes our faith in the permanence of our national institutions."

--Inscription on the east side of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC
      Facade of the National Archives Building, Washington DC
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Each year more than one million people visit the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Most come to view the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other historic documents on display in the Rotunda and Public Vaults. Others come to conduct historical research into the records housed in the building.

The building, the federal agency that calls it home, and the records it holds inspire numerous teaching activities and service learning opportunities, such as how to establish and maintain a school archives.

Description of the National Archives Building

History of the Building

Fascinating Facts

Establishing a School Archives

About the National Archives >

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272

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