Preserving America’s Most Valuable Documents
Keywords: student travel, educational travel, student tour, student tours
Standing between two of Washington D.C.’s most prominent buildings, the White House and the Capitol, the National Archives is home to hundreds of important national documents. Student group travelers will want to include a stop at this popular venue during their next trip to Washington, DC.
The United States National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the United States federal government charged with preserving and documenting historical records. The agency is responsible for publishing acts of Congress, presidential proclamations, executive orders, and federal regulations.
For years the NARA oversaw each branch and agency. Because they maintained their own records, the NARA was frequently faced with the loss and destruction of valuable records. In 1934, Congress established the National Archives to centralize federal record keeping. Today, the facility is home to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, and the original copy of the Magna Carta, confirmed by Edward I in 1297.
Touring the National Archives is like taking a journey through the history of American struggles and triumphs. The National Archives Experience, using exhibits and tours, seeks to motivate people to learn the individual stories of each document, make use of the patriotic spirit that lives on because of records, and to care more deeply about democracy.
Student tours begin in the William G. McGowan Theater with an informative film that illustrates the relationship of records and democracy through the lives of real people. The film helps visitors appreciate the documents and records that they see during the tour.
The next stop is the Public Vault, where visitors experience the feeling of going beyond the walls of the Rotunda into the stacks and vaults of the archives. Here, groups examine historic documents, maps, drawings, audio clips, and films. For example, Abraham Lincoln’s telegrams to his generals during the Civil War are available for viewing. Students also may listen to audio recordings from the Oval Office. About 1,100 original documents and records are displayed at any given time.
For more in-depth learning experiences, the Boeing Learning Center Learning Lab can be reserved for middle school groups. Twice per day, the Learning Lab provides an on-site collaborative research experience for classes of up to 36 middle school students. The problem solving exercise inspires young visitors to connect to our nations exciting, and very dramatic past.
The tour wraps up in the Rotunda’s Charters of Freedom exhibit where students come face to face with the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta. New cases for these documents make them more accessible to visitors of all ages. A multi-language audio tool is being developed to provide all visitors with a more meaningful experience. Flash photography of the documents is prohibited because the flashes can cause the documents to fade over time.
Many people are unaware of the fact that some of the National Archives most requested records are used for research in genealogy. Examples include census records from 1790 to 1930, ship passenger lists, and naturalization records. Other requested records include still pictures, motion pictures, and electronic media.
The Louisiana Purchase and the Emancipation Proclamation are also housed in this facility. Most documents are public domain, as works of the federal government, and are excluded from copyright protection. The NARA stores classified documents and its Information Security Oversight Office monitors and sets policy for the U.S. government’s security classification system.
The National Archives is open year round Monday through Friday from10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. The facility also has a gift shop and cafe. The months between June and February are the best time to visit because they are the least busy.
In addition to the National Archives in Washington, DC, there are also 12 Regional Archives facilities across the country and two major facilities in St. Louis, Missouri. The NARA also maintains the Presidential Library System, a nationwide network of libraries for preserving and making available the documents of U.S. presidents. Some of the more prominent libraries are the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library in West Branch, Iowa; the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Hyde Park, New York; the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California; and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Travel Adventures (www.traveladventures.com) staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. We empower teachers to create change by expanding the classroom to the world. Our experienced team of travel professionals is dedicated to exceeding your student travel expectations.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Working In The Travel Industry, A Free Holiday? (1)
These roles usually include a variety of tasks, from being a sports coach, entertainer, teacher and tour leader. If you are good with children and can ensure the kids enough fun for them to leave their parents in peace, you may be the perfect candidate for this job.
Retiring In Javea Haven (2)
As well as containing plenty of historical sites, Javea also offers a wide range of sports activities and hobby activities such as fishing, cycling, mountain biking, photography, bowls, trekking, sailing and many more.
The Door To Andalucia (3)
Deep ravines, stark, vertical faces and diverse eroded forms shape the landscape. Speaking of areas of natural beauty, we must not forget that there are also those who consider this area to be a real hunter's paradise as well.
How To Get Up Table Mountain, TheEasy Way! (4)
The question most visitors to Cape Town ask is, "is it that flat at the top?" The answer is yes, and it is all open to hikers and visitors from the Cable Car.
Holidays Keep Your Heart Ticking And Good For Your Looks Too! (5)
I am one of those people when having worked diligently all week over different articles, I then find myself by the end of the week staring at a blank page not knowing what on earth to write next!
Dealing With Travel And Rising Gas Prices (6)
Though these will take you longer to travel, the savings in gas will help you save money. You might also want to consider travelling by cruise line if this is convenient for you.
Andorra Skiing More Affordable With Low Cost Airlines (7)
Of course several other airline companies have followed suit and are also offering individuals and families on holiday to ski resorts with low costs and direct flights. These include Snowjet, Flybe, Thomsonfly and of course easyJet.
Holidays In Binibeca, Menorca (8)
It's not hard to see why with its beautiful beaches, tropical climate and array of things to do during the day and in the evening. One resort, Binibeca, which is located on the south east coast of Menorca is particularly popular with holiday goers every year.
Vacation Travel Deals Create Delightful Travel Vacations (9)
The deals offered by the travel industry allow people to do more on vacations. Some travel deals include tickets to Broadway shows as a bonus for choosing a certain travel package.
Motor Home Trip Tips For Dogs (10)
Almost half of all RV vacationers choose to take their pets with them. After all, the dog's part of the family, and you don't want to kennel him and leave him behind.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Investing In A Cottage (1)
They buy a home in the countryside and either do it up and then sell it on or purchase it for buy - to - let purposes. Either one is a great way of making money for various different reasons.
Fiji Is The Soft Coral Capital Of The World (2)
The visibility in Fiji's waters is also very good for all underwater activities except for the summer days when it rains. You can find the best conditions for your vacation in Fiji early in the morning because the wind doesn't start to blow.
Tenerife Goes Bananas For Tourists (3)
These and many more sights await tourists who are looking for the best of culture, entertainment, and leisure. So when you arrive at Reina Sofia Airport in Tenerife, be sure to pick up your welcome package before you begin your holiday.
Airports In Andalucia Spain (4)
The Granada airport mainly handles scheduled flights to and from Madrid and Barcelona, thus having a vital role in the socio-economic development of Granada. Jerez Airport Modern, compact and smart, the Jerez airport, known as Aeroporto de Jerez in Spanish, is one of the key axes for tourism development in the Cadiz region.
Choosing A Classic For The Weekend (5)
I went to the hire company's website and laid my eyes on possibly four of the greatest cars ever made; this was going to be a difficult choice. Firstly they had a gorgeous little Austin Healey 3000 available for hire.
Cuba Makes A Great Holiday Destination (6)
Keywords: cuba travel Located in the North of the Caribbean, Cuba boasts a wide variety of people and cultures. Many different customs have been bought onto the island including those from the Taino, Spanish colonialism and African slaves.
Villa In Tuscany: Spending Quiet Time (7)
You can find several listings of villas that cater to those who wish to commune with nature: villas that are near the sea, near mountain or hill side trails, near remote and pristine patches of evergreen forests.
Choosing One Of The Many Tuscany Rental Villas (8)
These gardens can hold Olympic-sized pools which have accessible shower rooms or Jacuzzis at the back of the villa. There are also modern facilities like outdoor bars and barbeque grills.
Do Not Get Stung Buying A Caravan (9)
The main place to check is the chassis, this can be a dangerous fault and also a very expensive one to fix, make sure the dealership has not freshly painted the chassis as this can be a sign of a cover up.
Motor Home Vacations: Oregon's Untouched Nature (10)
It is close to the town of Reedsport and a short drive from the coast, as well as other sights like Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. If you want to be right on the ocean, you can stay at Turtle Rock Oregon Coast RV Park, and the sandy beach will be one step off your campsite.