250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Skip the Line Access into the National Archives for a guided tour
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(15)
I was lucky enough to have a private tour. Colin was incredibly knowledgeable about so many different things.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed your tour with Colin. His knowledge and passion make every experience special. We appreciate your kind words!
Our tour guide was excellent, very friendly and knowledgeable. She did the best with what she had to work with. Unfortunately, the American history museum was a disappointment. I don’t think the museum conveys the story of American history-the absence of the origins of our country and the founding was shocking. It should be the backbone and foundation of the experience - but instead the museum was something that didn’t flow-I don’t think the museum curators are American or maybe they don’t have an understanding or appreciation of American history. I wanted my son to have what he learned in his American history class come to life. I don’t think that is too much to expect from the Smithsonian. I hope this feedback can get back to museum leadership and its curators. America has a beautiful and sometimes not beautiful history-but tell the story remembering the people here are proud of their heritage and should leave the AMERICAN history museum with pride and appreciation of where our country started, how far its come, what our country has meant to the world and the bright future we have ahead.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We're glad you enjoyed your guide's friendliness and knowledge, and we appreciate you sharing your experience at the museum. We hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
Sooo much to see in a short time, but great information! Would have liked more time at History museum.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and found it informative. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another visit!
I took the tour with Vicky and she was awesome! Both tours were the perfect balance of her narrative yet flexibility for what each tourist wanted to see - which is not what I am used to with a tour guide. I was particularly impressed by her obvious love for both the United States as well as the history she took us through; she has certainly perfected her craft. I hope I get to tour with her on my next visit to Washington! P. S. - Make sure you have cash ready for the end of the tour! You will want to leave her a great tip.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed your tour with Vicky. Her passion, knowledge, and flexibility truly make every experience special. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back!
Good sampling of the museums with knowledgeable tour guide .. a bit pricey though. May be best to book direct versus using a third party.
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad you enjoyed the tour and found your guide knowledgeable. We appreciate your comments and hope to welcome you again in the future.
This walking tour was great. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the event very personal and she has a great personality y'all. She knew her way around the venues which helped to give us time to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to see important items from America's past. Also a good tour on a hot or rainy day because you are inside for almost all of it.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour. It's wonderful to hear your guide made the experience personal and enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again!
Katherine was great! Hilarious, great storyteller and historian. Learned a lot and had a wonderful time!!
Thank you! We're so glad you had a wonderful time with Katherine. Her humor, storytelling, and passion for history truly make for a memorable experience!
It was an excellent experience. I learned so I much and am awestruck at the details I learned. It was great.
Thank you! We're so glad you had an excellent experience and learned so much. It's wonderful to hear the details left such a lasting impression!
She was fun, engaging and hit the hi-lights of each museum. Pointed out things we might have missed and kept a good pace.
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the guide’s fun, engaging style and helpful insights!
We loved this for with access to the Rotunda, Katherine our guide was a wealth of information. We saw a lot and learnt a lot definitely recommend this tour for your DC itinerary
Thank you! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and access to the Rotunda. Katherine will be thrilled to hear you appreciated her knowledge and guidance!
