National Archives

If you examine the Declaration of Independence very closely it appears that there is something written on the back…a treasure map perhaps.

_{Rumors don’t necessarily have to be true do they?}

The National Archives is perhaps best known as the home of the US Declaration of Independence, US Constituiton, and other important documents.

These documents are on display for the general public to view. The documents are on display in the rotunda. The lighting is very dim, and there are no flash pictures permitted, in an attempt to keep the documents from deteriorating.

There are also interesting displays in the building about keeping records throughout the history of our country. There are audio tracks, film clips, video clips, newspaper articles, and other documents on various topics which make intersting displays about various periods of our history.

I’ve always wanted to see the Declaration of Independence and when I finally did this past weekend, I was so disappointed to see how much ink has faded. In fact, you can’t even read most of the signatures. (I was looking for one in particular, I know the general area it’s in but couldn’t find it.) I think it was worth it to see the founding documents but I was in/out at closing and didn’t see anything else.

I asked the security guard if they filmed National Treasure here and was sad to find that they didn’t, save for the scenes outside on the steps. Waited in line for a long time but it was worth it. Also, the Declaration of Independence copies are only $8, not $35 like in the movie. Pretty neat place.