easy
5–6 hours
Requires moderate physical fitness for walking and standing over extended periods
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.
5.5 hrs | Daily | Ultimate comprehensive overview
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.
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
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
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.
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.
This tour includes extensive walking indoors; durable, comfortable footwear will enhance your experience.
Carry a valid photo ID or passport copy as it’s required for entry to government buildings and museums on the tour.
Only small bags or slim backpacks are allowed inside the museums; large luggage or bulky backpacks are not permitted.
The National Archives building itself was completed in 1935 and has preserved foundational American documents central to the nation’s history.
Both institutions actively engage in preserving artifacts under strict environmental controls to ensure long-term public access to historical items.
Essential for walking comfortably through museum corridors and exhibits.
D.C. weather varies; dress in layers to stay comfortable indoors and for travel outside.
Stay hydrated during your tour, especially in warmer months.
Allows you to carry personal items while complying with museum bag restrictions.