News Article
National Archives Foundation Releases New, Exclusive Book on Charters of Freedom
April 18, 2016
As the nation honors Patriots’ Day, the National Archives Foundation today announced the release of a new book, The Charters of Freedom at the National Archives. Distributed exclusively by the Foundation, The Charters of Freedom at the National Archives is about the creation and life of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.
From their beginnings in the original 13 colonies to their current permanent home at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., these three documents form the basis of our American society and government, and are the primary reason that more than one million people visit the National Archives Museum each year.
“The Charters of Freedom are some of our nation’s most cherished treasures,” said A’Lelia Bundles, Chair of the National Archives Foundation. “These documents from more than 200 years ago contain the words that inspired a revolution, established our form of government, and laid out our rights as American citizens. This beautifully illustrated book reminds us how important it is for us to be well-educated about those rights and how they came to be.”
Written by National Archives curator Alice Kamps and available exclusively from the National Archives Museum Store, this new book was published in conjunction with the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 2016, as well as the launch of the Archives’ newest exhibition, Amending America, which opened in the National Archives Museum’s Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery in March 2016. The exhibition showcases both successful and unsuccessful attempts to amend the Constitution. Other commemorative activities across the nation include a new series, “National Conversations on Rights and Justice,” to be held at several locations across the country; a traveling exhibit; education outreach; and public programs at National Archives facilities.
The Charters of Freedom at the National Archives, funded by National Archives Foundation Board Member Marvin F. Weissberg and the Weissberg Foundation, is available now at the National Archives Store in Washington, D.C., as well as online. The book will be gifted to every public school in Washington, D.C., as well as every school group that participates in a Constitution-in-Action learning lab at the Boeing Learning Center in the National Archives Museum.
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About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at: archivesfoundation.org.
About the National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent Federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education, and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries, and on the Internet at: archives.gov.
About the National Archives Museum
The National Archives Museum, created by the National Archives in partnership with the Foundation for the National Archives, has transformed the visitor experience at the National Archives’ Washington, DC, building, and includes the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the David M. Rubenstein Gallery and its Records of Rights permanent exhibition, the award-winning Public Vaults permanent gallery, the William G. McGowan Theater, the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery for special exhibits, the Boeing Learning Center, the Digital Vaults online exhibit, and the DocsTeach website. These components make the rich resources of the National Archives accessible to Americans nationwide.
