The Charters of Freedom

• National Archives Store Exclusive
• The official publication on the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives
• Paperback: 72 pages
• 10 X 9 1/2 inches
• Foreword written by Dr. Colleen Shogan, 11th Archivist of the United States
• A National Archives Foundation publication, made possible by the Weissberg Foundation
• This item is not eligible for discounts unless explicitly mentioned in promotional offers

• Product Description

• Written by Alice Kamps, Curator at the National Archives, the book describes the dramatic events that culminated in these historic documents, the materials and techniques used in their creation and conservation, and their adventures on the road to a permanent safe haven at the National Archives.

  The book includes the travel history of the documents and how they came to rest in the National Archives Rotunda, the preservation work performed by conservators at the Archives, a brief history of the National Archives building and its construction, and complete transcripts of all three documents. Beautifully illustrated with photographs, documents, and paintings, The Charters of Freedom at the National Archives is a perfect overview of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights for the whole family. This publication is made possible by the National Archives Foundation with the generous support of the Weissberg Foundation.

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Known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are instrumental to the founding of the United States and its enduring identity and philosophy. These three documents declared the colonies’ freedom and independence, established the federal government, and enshrined the rights of the American people forever.

On December 13, 1952, the Charters of Freedom were permanently relocated from the Library of Congress to the National Archives in a procession of tanks in an armored personnel carrier. Upon arrival, the documents were placed in a custom-built, 50-ton, steel and concrete, bomb- and fire-proof safe.

The Charters of Freedom are on permanent display in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building.