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Discover America's Past: Semi-Private National Archives and Museum of American History Tour in Washington, D.C. - Washington

Discover America's Past: Semi-Private National Archives and Museum of American History Tour in Washington, D.C.

Washingtoneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

5–6 hours

Fitness Level

Requires moderate physical fitness for walking and standing over extended periods

Overview

Explore the heart of American history with a semi-private tour of Washington, D.C.’s National Archives and Smithsonian Museum of American History. Stand before the founding documents and iconic artifacts in an intimate group setting.

History Tour
Museum
Shuttle
Walking Tour
Washington, District of Columbia

Combo: National Archives + Museum of American History Tour – Semi-Private

5.5 hrs | Daily | Ultimate comprehensive overview

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Adventure Photos

Combo: National Archives + Museum of American History Tour – Semi-Private photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on an intimate small-group tour through Washington, D.C.'s National Archives and Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Stand before iconic founding documents, admire legendary artifacts like the Star-Spangled Banner and George Washington's sword, and explore the evolution of American identity. This immersive experience brings history to life in unforgettable ways.

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Rates

  • Adult: - $179
  • Youth: - $159 (Ages 10 - 17)
  • Child: - $139 (9 and under)

Duration

  • 5 - 5.5 hours (including a lunch break)

Meeting Point

  • Meet your guide on the corner of 9th Street NW and Constitution Ave.

About

  • Take this 5 to 5.5 hour semi-private museum combo tour, which welcomes no more than eight guests, that gives a comprehensive overview of the experiment that is the United States of America! Start with our founding document and end with an exploration of what has happened since. Our guides provide stories, context, and anecdotes for the dynamic results.
  • Visit both the National Archives and the National Museum of American History to get the most out of your trip to DC with one of our delightful guides.
  • This tour is in English.

Includes

Semi-Private Walking Tour & Museum Tour "Semi-Private" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum Professional Tour Guide Duration 5 - 5.5 Hours (Including A Lunch Break) Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine


Excludes

Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi) Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional) Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair


Full Tour Description

This is the best way to explore the experiment that is the United States of America! Start with the original handwritten “Charters of Freedom” housed in their spectacular Rotunda. Your guide will narrate the extraordinary circumstances that brought this nation into existence. No trip to the US Capital city is complete without a visit to the National Archives. Surround yourself with documents and paintings that offer both depth and nuance to the period that founded the United States of America. And at Babylon we take it a step farther. In the Rubenstein Gallery, go even deeper into the philosophical foundations by viewing a 1297 copy of the Magna Carta. Your guide will encourage you to explore the concept of citizenship, what it means and how the criteria for those included have evolved from a declaration which stated “all men are created equal”.

After a break to ponder the complexity of history (and grab a bite) your guide will lead you to the Smithsonian American History Museum. This museum is a caretaker for an incredible blend of scholarly history and pop culture whose memories create a unique bond among the people who experienced them. Your guide will introduce you to the most famous items in the collection, like the flag that flew over Ft McHenry inspiring the poem that was eventually adapted into the National Anthem. Featured too is the most visited exhibition in the history of the Smithsonian: the First Ladies exhibit. While you’re there, see why the most requested artifact is Dorothy’s Ruby Red Slippers — displayed not too far from the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore that fateful night to Ford’s Theatre. Your guide will provide stories and background to expand on the reason these items (out of hundreds of thousands in the collection) serve as living touchstones for the concept we call the United States of America.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early for Smooth Check-In

Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time at the meeting point on Constitution Avenue to ensure a prompt start.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

This tour includes extensive walking indoors; durable, comfortable footwear will enhance your experience.

Bring Photo ID

Carry a valid photo ID or passport copy as it’s required for entry to government buildings and museums on the tour.

Pack Light

Only small bags or slim backpacks are allowed inside the museums; large luggage or bulky backpacks are not permitted.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pigeons frequent the open spaces around the National Mall.
  • Squirrels are common in the museum outdoor plazas.

History

The National Archives building itself was completed in 1935 and has preserved foundational American documents central to the nation’s history.

Conservation

Both institutions actively engage in preserving artifacts under strict environmental controls to ensure long-term public access to historical items.

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Adventure Hotspots in Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Essential for walking comfortably through museum corridors and exhibits.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Essential

D.C. weather varies; dress in layers to stay comfortable indoors and for travel outside.

Portable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated during your tour, especially in warmer months.

Small Backpack or Crossbody Bag

Essential

Allows you to carry personal items while complying with museum bag restrictions.