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250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Washington DC, USA
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from $75 per person

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Hear the true story of our National Anthem, while looking at the flag that inspired it.
See the original Declaration of Independence, US Constitution, Bill of Rights and more.
Learn the stories behind our founding documents with a historian.
A 3 guided tour of two museums with local professional tour guide
A guided tour inside the Smithsonian American History Museum

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.
3 hours (approx.)
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Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Experience 250 years of American history on this 3-hour guided walking tour led by a local historian & professional tour guide.

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where you’ll explore pivotal moments from the American Revolution to the 20th century and beyond. Rather than wandering aimlessly, you’ll follow a carefully curated narrative that makes history engaging, accessible, and relevant.

Head to the National Archives Museum, where you’ll enjoy skip-the-line entry. Inside, view the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, some of the most important original documents in world history.

Throughout the tour, the small group size allows for meaningful interaction, questions, and discussion, creating a more personal and enriching experience than large group tours.

What's Included

  • Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide
  • Skip the Line Access into the National Archives
  • Guided Entrance to the top of the Old Post Office Pavilion (our favorite observatory deck in DC)
  • Gratuity
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Constitution Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20560, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Constitution Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20408, USA

We end the tour inside the Archives Museum if you want to to explore more of the exhibits.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

American History Museum

Rather than wandering aimlessly, you’ll follow a carefully curated narrative that makes history engaging, accessible, and relevant.You will see: -Star-Spangled Banner: The original flag that inspired the U.S. national anthem during the War of 1812. -Jefferson’s Writing Desk: The small portable desk where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. -Gunboat Philadelphia: A Revolutionary War vessel recovered from Lake Champlain, offering rare physical evidence of early American naval warfare and the fight for independence. -Julia Child’s Kitchen: The kitchen where Julia Child filmed The French Chef, representing postwar cultural change, the rise of food media, and how everyday Americans embraced new ideas and lifestyles. -John Bull Locomotive: One of the oldest surviving steam locomotives in the world, illustrating how railroads powered America’s industrial growth, westward expansion, and economic transformation.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The National Archives Museum

Skip the Line Access into the National Archives for a guided tour
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-41376P29

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Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Washington DC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Washington DC customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide.
  • Skip the Line Access into the National Archives.
  • Guided Entrance to the top of the Old Post Office Pavilion (our favorite observatory deck in DC).
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuity.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the 250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for 250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Washington DC. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide
  • Skip the Line Access into the National Archives
  • Guided Entrance to the top of the Old Post Office Pavilion (our favorite observatory deck in DC)
  • Gratuity

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).

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