national archives self guided tour

The National Archives Museum depicts our astounding national mosaic and tells the stories of the American journey.

Reservations and tours.

Entry to the National Archives museum is free. Reservations are not required for individuals or groups wishing to visit the National Archives Museum, but they are strongly suggested between March and Labor Day to avoid potentially long lines outside.

• Tickets are normally available 90 days in advance.
• All visitors will go through security screening upon entry.
• Persons arriving after their scheduled ticket time are not guaranteed admission to the museum.
• There is a non-refundable $1.00 convenience fee per ticket.

Timed-Entry Reservations

Self-guided, timed-entry reservations are normally offered every 15 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

• You may reserve up to 6 tickets per reservation. For larger groups, you may make more than one reservation for the same time and date, subject to ticket availability.
• Timed-Entry reservation holders use the Museum's general admission entrance on the left side of the great staircase on Constitution Avenue, NW.

Reserve Timed-Entry Tickets

Guided Tours (Not available at this time)

Once a day, Monday through Friday, at 9:45 a.m. we offer a one-hour docent-led guided tour of the National Archives Museum. The tour includes the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom (home to the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights) and the Public Vaults permanent, interactive exhibit gallery.

• Individuals and groups may reserve up to 15 spaces for the Guided Tour.
• Guided Tour reservation holders use the Special Events entrance on the right side of the great staircase on Constitution Avenue, NW.

Reserve a Guided Tour

Reservations can also be made through the Call Center: 1-877-444-6777, Group Sales Reservations: 1-877-559-6777, or TDD: 1-877-833-6777.

COVID19 Rescheduling Policy: Book With Confidence! No Penalty For Rescheduling As Many Times As Necessary

Private National Archives Tour: Exclusive Guided Experience

Unlock history privately with skip-the-line access and expert guides.

• Babylon Tours Washington D.C.

From $85-249

Discover more about this tour

Step through the doors of this majestic neoclassical building, considered a temple to American history. Follow your guide, starting at the National Archives Rotunda, to learn about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution while standing in front of the perfectly-preserved documents from the 17th and 18th centuries. Alongside the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers, they all feature the signatures of world-famous statesmen like Alexander Hamilton. Next, in the Public Vaults Exhibits, letters written by presidents including George Washington and John F. Kennedy are on display. The United States’ turbulent racial past comes alive while learning about the Emancipation Proclamation, which helped end slavery in the 19th century. More recent papers, like a citation issued to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, illustrates how long these racial issues lasted. Finally, in the Rubenstein Gallery, examine even older documents like the Magna Carta of 1297. Although it was written well before the Americas were even discovered by Europeans, it heavily influenced many of the other artifacts you’ll see in the National Archives.

Highlights Generally Include: (but not limited to)

Declaration of Independence

United States Constitution

Bill of Rights

Magna Carta of 1297

Handwritten George Washington letter

Petition signed by citizens advocating abolishment of slavery

Citation issued to Rosa Parks

Letters written by Alexander Hamilton

“Private Tour” means tour guide exclusively for you.

“Semi-Private” means group size is never more than 8 guests maximum.

Prices Vary Based on Group Size

• Adult $85-249 18 years of age or older
• Youth $85 Between 10 - 17 years of age
• Child $75 Between 0 - 9 years of age

Our tour guide, Terry, was not only very knowledgeable about the museum's displays but he also communicated his knowledge to us in a very understanding manner. He quickly grasped our primary interests and tailored his presentations to meet our preferences. When we return for a second visit, we will be reaching out to Terry to be our guide again. No hesitation in recommending Babylon and Terry to anyone wanting to get a really good understanding of the museum's displays. Edward

All tours are operating as scheduled. Thursday, July 13, no tours There are no Congressional, Members, Group, or Public Tours on Thursday, July 13. Tours will resume as scheduled on Friday, July 14. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. -->

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Take a Self-guided Tour

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

NPS Photo / John Tobiason

The grounds of the historic site are  open 24 hours a day . Pick up a map at the Visitor Center or download the  NPS App  to your phone. Then visit the  Birthplace Cottage ,  Blacksmith Shop ,  Schoolhouse ,  Friends Meetinghouse ,  Statue of Isis ,  Gravesite , and other historic features of the park.

The grounds of the historic site are  open 24 hours a day . Get the  park map and guide  and a  Junior Ranger  activity book from the  Visitor Center . Download the  mobile app  to your phone or borrow a tablet. Then visit the  Birthplace Cottage ,  Blacksmith Shop ,  Schoolhouse ,  Friends Meetinghouse ,  Statue of Isis ,  Gravesite , and other historic features of the park.

Hard-surfaced walkways and ramps lead to all publicly accessible buildings and picnic shelters. An accessible walkway leads to the graves of President and Mrs. Hoover.

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Last updated: January 24, 2024

Chiricahua National Monument celebrates 100 years with free tours, guided hikes

Chiricahua National Monument was established on April 18, 1924, by President Calvin Coolidge to protect the “Wonderland of Rocks” in southeastern Arizona that includes an 8-mile scenic drive and 17 miles of hiking trails.

Spanning over 12,025 acres in the Chiricahua Mountains southeast of Willcox, Chiricahua National Monument is celebrating its centennial with a slate of events Thursday through Saturday, April 18-20.

On Thursday there will be a commemoration ceremony; on Friday, a living history experience at Faraway Ranch; and on Saturday there will be a guided bird walk and a “Story Behind the Scenery: Geology Chiricahua Style” program.

Here’s what to know about Chiricahua National Monument's centennial celebration and how you can take part.

Arizona's 'Wonderland of Rocks': Chiricahua National Monument celebrates 100 years

Chiricahua National Monument centennial tours, hike

Thursday, April 18: The commemoration ceremony is at 2 p.m. at Faraway Ranch, the former homestead in the monument. Local and national dignitaries will be in attendance. Music starts at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Faraway Ranch House and Stafford Cabin will be open for self-guided tours from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Friday, April 19: The living history event is 1-4 p.m. at Faraway Ranch. Staff in 1920s and '30s clothing will share what life was like in Bonita Canyon 100 years ago. Faraway Ranch House and Stafford Cabin will be open for self-guided tours from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 20: A guided bird walk is from 9-11 a.m. in the Bonita Creek Picnic Area. Visitors can observe birds, identifying them by sight, sound and habitat. Bring water, sun protection and binoculars. The 30-minute “Story Behind the Scenery: Geology Chiricahua Style” program will be presented on the hour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Massai Point.

Chiricahua National Monument centennial shuttle and parking info

The visitor center will be open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. during the centennial celebration. There will be no hiker shuttle service April 18 and 19.

On April 18 and 19, Massai Point, Echo Canyon and Sugarloaf parking lots will be open. Faraway Ranch parking lot will be closed with an exception for vehicles with a disability plate or placard.

Centennial event parking will be available just outside the park entrance. Free shuttles will stop at Faraway Ranch and the visitor center.

On April 20, all parking lots will be open. A hiker shuttle will be provided from Faraway Ranch to Echo Canyon parking lot on the hour from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and from Echo Canyon parking lot to Faraway Ranch on the half hour from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

On all three days, vehicles over 24 feet, trailers and horses are prohibited except for vehicles and trailers with a campground reservation.

Do you have to pay to get into Chiricahua National Monument?

No. Chiricahua National Monument is free to enter. There's a fee for camping in Bonito Canyon Campground.

What is the closest city to Chiricahua National Monument?

Chiricahua National Monument is 36 miles southeast of Willcox, Arizona. It has lodging, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, grocery shopping and other services.

Details: www.nps.gov/chir/centennial.htm .

A 4th Arizona national park? State officials want national park status for Chiricahua

Reach the reporter at   [email protected] . Follow   @dina_kaur  on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to azcentral.com today .

Almost time for lightning bugs: Here's how to see rare blue ghost fireflies in Western NC

An annual event tied to one of Western North Carolina's natural wonders is coming back for the season. The Blue Ghost Firefly Twilight Tour will return May 14.

The tour's website describes the appearance of blue ghost fireflies as resembling "a tribe of fairies carrying blue candles through the forest." These unique, rare insects only live in a few areas, one of which is WNC's "Land of Waterfalls," Transylvania County.

Ghost fireflies are known for having a distinctive blue-green glow, unlike the yellow light you may be used to. The White Squirrel Institute says that blue ghosts are the only firefly species in North America that emits blue light, and are one of the smallest species in the world, measuring about a quarter of an inch long.

Here's what to know about the upcoming tours, and the fireflies they celebrate.

More: Great Smoky Mountains National Park synchronous firefly viewing; How to enter lottery

Blue Ghost Firefly Tour 2024

The Twilight Tour takes place at the Cradle of Forestry in America, 11250 Pisgah Highway (U.S. 276) in Pisgah Forest. The program begins at 9 p.m. and runs until 10:30 p.m. General admission is $50, and youth tickets (ages 4-12) are $25.

Each program begins with a 9 p.m. educational presentation at the Cradle of Forestry outdoor amphitheater. After the presentation concludes, guests use the cover of darkness to explore paved trails through the forest in search of blue ghost fireflies .

The tours are self-guided, but team members are stationed at locations throughout the trails to provide further information. Advance ticket purchase is required to attend the tours, so make sure you book online.

When can you see blue ghost fireflies?

Blue ghost firefly mating season is shorter than seasons for more common fireflies. They are generally active in late May to early June, meaning that they are active for only a few short weeks of every year. Like other fireflies, they begin their dance after dark.

The White Squirrel Institute says that every night, males fly low over the forest floor, glowing with a steady blue light. The females, who do not fly, will glow with a fainter blue light from the ground. When a male sees a female, he lands near her and flashes his light in a specific pattern. If the female is interested, she will flash her light back. Once they have matched patterns, they will mate.

Another unique and stunning feature of the insects is that their blue-green glow remains lit for up to a minute.

More: Word from the Smokies: Photographer and parks shine a light on the magic of fireflies

How rare are blue ghost fireflies?

There isn't much data on population numbers, but we know that ghost fireflies are a rare breed and unfortunately, they are only becoming rarer due to habitat loss and light pollution, which can disrupt the mating process. They are currently not on any endangered or protected species lists.

To help conserve these special insects, try reducing your use of artificial light and supporting conservation organizations. When searching for blue ghost fireflies, use a red light if you must use a flashlight. The Cradle of Forestry limits each night of their firefly events to 125 participants to keep their impact on the fireflies' natural habitat minimal.

How can I see blue ghost fireflies for free?

Tours like the one offered by the Cradle of Forestry are your best bet at spotting these rare bugs in their natural environment. However, blue ghost fireflies are found in various areas of the mountains in WNC. Here are some suggestions from the White Squirrel Institute on other areas you might be able to find some of these unique bugs:

• DuPont State Recreational Forest  – One of the most popular spots for viewing blue ghost fireflies. The forest offers several hiking trails that lead to streams and waterfalls where the fireflies live.
• Pisgah National Forest  – This large forest has many trails and camping areas, making it ideal for seeing fireflies.
• Cataloochee Valley   – This remote valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another location for viewing.
• Chimney Rock State Park  – This park is located about an hour’s drive from Brevard and is known for its scenic views and hiking trails. The blue ghost fireflies live along the trails in the park.

Make sure to check whether the area you're hoping to visit has a closing time that you'll need to observe before visiting.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].