The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has announced an ambitious nationwide tour of key Founding-era documents. The “Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation” will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by bringing crucial historical records to eight American cities in 2026.
Freedom Plane National Tour Overview
This exhibition, set to commence in March and conclude in August, aims to enhance public access to vital documents that shaped the United States. The initiative is in collaboration with the National Archives Foundation and is supported by prominent sponsors including The Boeing Company, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, and Procter & Gamble.
Senior Advisor to NARA, Jim Byron, emphasized the significance of this event, stating it allows Americans to connect with their nation’s foundational ideals. The historical documents will be transported via a specially marked Boeing 737, referred to as the Freedom Plane.
Exhibition Schedule
- Kansas City, MO: National WWI Museum and Memorial — March 6 to March 22
- Atlanta, GA: Atlanta History Center — March 27 to April 12
- Los Angeles, CA: USC Fisher Museum of Art — April 17 to May 3
- Houston, TX: Houston Museum of Natural Science — May 8 to May 25
- Denver, CO: History Colorado Center — May 28 to June 14
- Miami, FL: HistoryMiami Museum — June 20 to July 5
- Dearborn, MI: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation — July 9 to July 26
- Seattle, WA: Museum of History & Industry — July 30 to August 16
Key Documents Featured
This exhibition will display several essential documents from U.S. history, including:
- Declaration of Independence Engraving (1823): One of 50 known copies, commissioned by John Quincy Adams.
- Articles of Association (1774): Signed by delegates urging a boycott of British goods.
- Oaths of Allegiance (1778): Signed by key figures of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
- Treaty of Paris (1783): Signed by U.S. representatives, formally recognizing American independence.
- Draft of the Constitution (1787): A rare document with delegates’ handwritten notes from the Constitutional Convention.
- Voting Tally for the Constitution (1787): Reflecting the debates and decisions made during its approval.
Public Accessibility
The tour is free and open to the public across all participating museums. Visitors can secure tickets by visiting the respective museum websites. This nationwide initiative reinforces the idea that America’s history should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can visit Washington, DC.
As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary, the Freedom Plane National Tour serves as a vital reminder of the ideals and sacrifices that shaped the United States. For additional information on the tour and participating museums, visit El-Balad.
