WASHINGTON—The National Archives welcomed a handful of journalists for a sneak peek, hard-hat tour on June 4 of a new exhibit opening later in 2025.
“The American Story” exposition is set to open on Oct. 23, in advance of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, after $40 million in renovations and more than three years of design and planning.
Visitors will be able to explore the museum’s content using advanced interactive displays and “cutting-edge technology,” including, for the first time on the National Mall, the use of artificial intelligence to personalize the experience, according to a statement from the archives.
“The strategy that guided the visitor experience from the beginning was rooted in making as many records available as possible, and you will see that reflected in the theming and content of each gallery,” Jim Byron, senior adviser to the acting archivist of the United States, told reporters during the tour.
Approximately 2 million historic documents preloaded into systems accessible by digital kiosks will allow exhibit visitors to view records, and a barcode system will enable them to take their research home.
“So we’re bringing the content held in the National Archives out to the public by creating opportunities for visitors to go on a journey through history, so they can appreciate their part in The American Story,” Byron said.
In one experience, museum guests can play the role of a president and be faced with historical situations that they must navigate using records available in the archives.
The redesign is the first major renovation of the museum in 20 years.
“Museums typically have a useful life of seven to 10 years, so this was well past time,” Byron said.
In addition to films, items, and original records on display and available through digital experiences, the expansion includes a large space for students to learn about civics, including the branches of government, founding documents, and history, through unique gaming opportunities.
A poster shows how the Crisis and Conflict room in the new exhibit will look, as seen on the tour at the National Archives in Washington, on June 4, 2025. (Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times)
Highlights of the new exhibit include 50 original artifacts and records on public display for the first time.
George Washington’s original copy of the Constitution, annotated in his own handwriting, is a centerpiece in the new attraction.
George Washington's hand-annotated draft of the Constitution on display at the National Archives in Washington, on June 4, 2025. (Travis Gillmore/The Epoch Times)
Others include the 1786 Treaty with Morocco, which first recognized the sovereignty of the United States, and the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, which greatly expanded the nation.
Patent records, including those for Thomas Edison’s lightbulb, the iconic Barbie toy, and Yoda from the “Star Wars” franchise, are included in a room dedicated to invention and innovation.
Declassified records related to the Cuban Missile Crisis and from individuals who purportedly saw UFOs will also be on display.
Aviation buffs can watch the first film of the Wright brothers’ test flight.
And visitors can examine gifts to presidents, including a necktie given to President Donald Trump by Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni in 2017, a Waterford crystal cowboy boot gifted to President Ronald Reagan by Ireland’s Lord Mayor of Dublin Fergus O'Brian in 1982, and a saxophone statue given to President Bill Clinton by the country of Kyrgyzstan in 1997.
The project is made possible by a public-private partnership between the National Archives and the National Archives Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the conservation of historical artifacts.
“We hope visitors walk away with a deeper understanding of American history and how the records of the National Archives help tell the story of our nation,” the archives said in a statement.
