News Article

National Archives to Host Summer, Fall Sleepovers in Rotunda

April 3, 2014

The National Archives and the Foundation for the National Archives announced today that they will partner to host summer and fall sleepovers for children 8 to 12 years old in the home of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

The sleepovers, scheduled for August 2 and October 18, will each allow 100 children and parents to engage with National Archives records in fun and educational ways before rolling out their sleeping bags to spend the night in the historic National Archives Rotunda.

“Our first-ever sleepover in January was incredibly popular, drawing families from around the country – many of whom had never visited the National Archives before,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. “The demand for tickets was so high and the response so positive that we decided to invite more families during summer vacation and again in the fall. This is a great way to create a meaningful experience for families, to improve civics education, and to inform the public about the role the Archives plays in preserving government records and making them accessible to the people.”

The sleepovers will include numerous hands-on activities, including exploring exhibitions of the National Archives Museum. Guests also will be treated to movies in the Archives’ William G. McGowan Theater before turning in for the night, and will enjoy breakfast and more activities the next morning.

Registration for both of the ticketed sleepovers will begin later this spring. For more information, visit archivesfoundation.org/sleepover.

Watch a video from the January 25 sleepover! View photos here.

This program is supported by the Foundation for the National Archives.