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Where Is the Declaration of Independence Kept?

Learn where the original Declaration of Independence is preserved, how it's displayed, and how you can view this historic document.

5 min read

The original Declaration of Independence is one of America's most treasured documents. Understanding where it's preserved, how it's protected, and how the public can view it helps us appreciate this foundational piece of American history. Find the exact date for any year using our Independence Day Date Calculator.

Where the Original Document Is Housed

The original Declaration of Independence is preserved at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. It's displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, alongside the original U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The National Archives is located on Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, in Washington, D.C. It's part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), which is responsible for preserving and providing access to America's most important historical documents.

How It Is Preserved and Displayed

The Declaration of Independence is preserved in a specially designed encasement that protects it from light, air, and environmental damage:

Protective Encasement: The document is displayed in a titanium and aluminum frame filled with inert argon gas, which prevents deterioration by replacing oxygen and moisture that could damage the parchment.

Light Control: The encasement includes filters that block harmful ultraviolet and infrared light while allowing the document to be visible to visitors.

Temperature and Humidity Control: The Rotunda maintains carefully controlled temperature and humidity levels to prevent further deterioration of the document.

Security: The document is protected by multiple layers of security, including advanced monitoring systems and security personnel.

Conservation History: Over the years, the Declaration has undergone several conservation treatments to stabilize and preserve it. Significant conservation work was done in the 1950s and again in the early 2000s to repair damage and prevent further deterioration.

Visiting and Viewing the Declaration

Public Access: The National Archives Museum is open to the public, and viewing the Declaration of Independence is free of charge. The document is displayed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, where visitors can see it along with the original U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Visitor Experience: The Rotunda provides an impressive setting for viewing these foundational documents. The room features marble columns, murals depicting scenes from American history, and information about the documents on display.

Best Times to Visit: The National Archives can be busy, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays. To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the morning, on weekdays, or during the off-season.

Photography: Photography is allowed in the Rotunda, but flash photography is prohibited to protect the documents from light damage. Visitors can take photos of the display area but cannot take close-up photos of the documents themselves.

Virtual Access: For those unable to visit in person, the National Archives provides online access to high-resolution digital images of the Declaration of Independence, allowing people worldwide to view and study the document.

Why Preservation Matters

The Declaration of Independence is more than 240 years old and written on parchment, which is susceptible to deterioration. The document has already suffered significant damage over the years, including fading, tears, and deterioration from previous display methods.

Historical Significance: The Declaration is one of America's most important founding documents, representing the moment when the United States declared its independence and established its founding principles.

Educational Value: Preserving the original document allows future generations to see and study the actual document that shaped American history, providing a tangible connection to the past.

Symbolic Importance: The Declaration represents the ideals of freedom, equality, and self-governance that continue to guide the United States today.

Research Value: Scholars and historians rely on the original document for research, authentication, and understanding of the founding period.

FAQ

  • Can anyone see the Declaration of Independence? Yes, the National Archives Museum is open to the public, and viewing the Declaration is free. However, there may be wait times during peak visitation periods.

  • Is the Declaration of Independence the original document? Yes, the document displayed at the National Archives is the original Declaration of Independence signed by the delegates in 1776.

  • How is the Declaration of Independence protected? It's preserved in a specially designed encasement filled with inert gas, protected from light, air, and environmental damage, and secured with advanced security systems.

  • Can I take photos of the Declaration? Photography is allowed in the Rotunda, but flash photography is prohibited. Visitors cannot take close-up photos of the documents themselves.

  • Has the Declaration of Independence been damaged? Yes, over the years the document has suffered some deterioration, including fading and tears. Conservation efforts have been made to stabilize and preserve it.

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