National Archives
Constitution Ave. between 7th & 9th Sts. NW
(202) 357-5000 · archives.gov
Metro: Archives/Navy Mem’l

While the National Archives doesn’t play the same starring role in the sequel that it played in the original, it’s still a must-see for any treasure hunter (and any National Treasure fan). The Archives is home to the Charters of Freedom: the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights as well as photography, art, film and documents that record the history of the United States.

Insider's Secret: In National Treasure, Gates discovers a secret message written on the back of the Declaration of Independence. There is, in fact, a message written on the back which reads "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776."

< previous location	next location >

---

Special Events

The holdings of the National Archives contain many records relating to John Wilkes Booth, so join us as we celebrate the December 21 release of National Treasure II: Book of Secrets with programs on Civil War spying and John Wilkes Booth, a family activity day, and special treasure hunts in the Public Vaults exhibit. And in the East Rotunda Gallery, enjoy viewing a selection of original documents from the 12-day manhunt for President Lincoln’s assassin, Dec. 3 – Jan 1.

Click title of event for details.

Lecture on Wild Rose: Civil War Spy	Dec. 5
Time: Noon Location: Jefferson Room For sheer bravado and style, no woman in the North or South rivaled Rose O'Neale Greenhow. Fearless spy for the Confederacy, glittering Washington hostess, and legendary beauty, Greenhow changed the course of the Civil War and risked everything for the cause she valued more than life itself. Biographer Ann Blackman tells the amazing story of an almost-forgotten woman who made more history than anyone knew.
National Archives Treasure Hunt	Dec. 8 - Jan. 1
Location: Public Vaults Do you have the skills it takes to decode messages, spot mistakes, and reveal mysteries embedded in our nation’s records? Pick up your “treasure hunt” challenge from the racks in our entry lobby and then go upstairs to the Public Vaults and begin to explore. The secrets are all around you, if you know where to look. Be prepared to be surprised.
Family Day Celebration—Real National Treasure (II)	Dec. 8
Time: noon - 3pm Learn about colonial codes and codebreaking with History Is a Hoot (Jefferson Room, noon – 1:30 p.m.) View the original film National Treasure (William G. McGowan Theater, 1:30 p.m.) Write a Secret Message (Public Vaults Exhibit exit, noon–3 p.m.) National Archives Tattoos (Public Vaults Exhibit exit, noon–3 p.m.) View documents related to the Lincoln assassination and participate in an Archival Adventure (Boeing Learning Center, noon–3 p.m.)
Booth Talk on American Brutus: John Wilkes Booth and the Lincoln Conspiracies	Dec. 12
Time: noon Location: Jefferson Room Join us as Michael W. Kauffman, one of the foremost Lincoln assassination authorities, takes familiar history to a deeper level, offering an unprecedented, authoritative account of the Lincoln murder conspiracy. In American Brutus, Kaufman sheds new light on the background and motives of John Wilkes Booth, the mechanics of his plot to topple the Union government, and the trials and fates of the conspirators.