Civic Season 2024: Discover Your Story
Civic Season is a tradition for self-discovery and civic upskilling, co-created by Gen Z leaders and cultural institutions. This summer, discover your story and how you’ll power our democracy, aided by a vast array of credible, relevant sources. Civic Season is the flagship program from Made By Us, a network of hundreds of museums, historic sites, libraries and archives unleashing access to history for younger generations who have the most at stake.
The National Archives will offer programs and opportunities throughout Civic Season, beginning with the display of the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 and culminating with July 4th festivities at the National Archives. We invite you to celebrate our nation and discover your story as part of our shared American story.
Road to Revolution
Opens June 21st
Road to Revolution is a rotating exhibition series highlighting National Archives records that document the journey from colonial resistance to American independence and the diverse experiences of the nation’s Founding generation. The opening display “Roots of Rebellion” explores the British imperial crisis over taxes, trade and land that ultimately ignited the American war for independence. The rotating exhibit will be on display in the West Rotunda Gallery through June 2026.
Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 on Display
June 18-20th | 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST
The National Archives will be open for extended exhibit hours while these two pivotal documents are on display. Extended hours will be available from June 18-20 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.
The Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 Featured Document Presentation and related public programs are made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of The Boeing Company.
Patriotic Trivia and Pizza
June 26th | 6:00 p.m EST
Join the National Archives for a night of historical trivia and pizza! Think you have what it takes to make it to the top? Grab a friend and join our special emcee from District Trivia for a night of historical fun facts, prize giveaways, pizza and more. Attendees will receive a special discount to our museum shop. Register here.
July 4th with the National Archives
July 4th | 9:00 a.m EST
Join the National Archives on Constitution Avenue in celebration of July 4th! We’re celebrating America’s birthday on the steps of the National Archives with re-enactors, family fun, and the iconic Declaration of Independence reading ceremony. Plus – the parade kicks off at the National Archives at noon! No prior registration required!
Be a part of the fun with our unofficial July 4th mascot: George Washingnome! Follow our NAF social accounts for more Washingnome shenanigans and other sneak peeks at this year’s celebration.
July 4th at the National Archives is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of Comcast Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, John Hancock, and Dykema.
Want more info about Civic Season nationwide? Visit the official website here.
