America's Founding Documents Come to Your Community With the Freedom Plane National Tour
This spring and summer, something extraordinary is happening across America. Nine original documents from the National Archives—including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—are traveling together for the first time in history aboard a specially painted Boeing 737 called the Freedom Plane. This isn't just another museum exhibition; it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the very documents that forged our nation, all in commemoration of America's 250th anniversary.
A Journey Inspired by History
The Freedom Plane National Tour takes its inspiration from the Bicentennial Freedom Train of 1976, which brought history to American communities nationwide. This time, instead of traveling by rail, these invaluable founding documents are making the journey by air, visiting eight major U.S. cities between March and August 2026. The tour stops include Kansas City, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn, and Seattle—making it possible for millions of Americans to experience these treasures without traveling to Washington, D.C.
The Documents That Changed Everything
The exhibition features nine remarkable documents that tell the story of American independence and democracy:
William Stone Engraving of the Declaration of Independence (1823) — One of only about 50 known copies, commissioned by John Quincy Adams
Articles of Association (1774) — The agreement adopted by the First Continental Congress that urged colonists to boycott British goods
Oaths of Allegiance (1778) — Signed by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and other Continental Army officers
Treaty of Paris (1783) — Signed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, formally recognizing U.S. independence
David Brearley's Secret Printing of the Constitution (1787) — A rare draft with handwritten notes from the Constitutional Convention
State Delegation Votes Approving the Constitution (1787) — The voting records that shaped our founding document
Senate Markup of the Bill of Rights (1789) — The working draft that became our first ten amendments
Each document represents a pivotal moment in American history—the debates, compromises, and convictions that built our nation.
Tour Schedule and Locations
Kansas City, MO — March 6-22 at the National WWI Museum and Memorial
Atlanta, GA — March 27-April 12 at Atlanta History Center
Los Angeles, CA — April 17-May 3 at USC Fisher Museum of Art
Houston, TX — May 8-25 at Houston Museum of Natural Science
Denver, CO — May 28-June 14 at History Colorado Center
Miami, FL — June 20-July 5 at History Miami Museum
Dearborn, MI — July 9-26 at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Seattle, WA — July 30-August 16 at Museum of History and Industry
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an educator, or simply curious about the documents that shaped our country, the Freedom Plane National Tour offers a chance to connect with American heritage in a deeply meaningful way.
A Celebration of America's 250 Years
As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, the Freedom Plane represents more than just historical artifacts traveling across the country. It's a reminder of the ideas and ideals that continue to define us—liberty, democracy, and the belief that we the people have a role in shaping our nation's future. From the bold declarations of independence to the careful protections of the Bill of Rights, these documents invite us to reflect on where we've been and recommit to where we're going.
If the Freedom Plane tour stop is coming to a city near you, make it a priority to experience these extraordinary documents. History is taking flight, and it's coming to your community.
The Freedom Plane National Tour is brought to the public by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration and the National Archives Foundation, with support from Boeing, Comcast, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, and FedEx.
