250th: National Archives & American History Museum Guided Tour

4.9 (21 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

21 reviews

4.9

Hear the true story of our National Anthem, while looking at the flag that inspired it. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

See the original Declaration of Independence, US Constitution, Bill of Rights and more. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Likely to Sell Out Small Group Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 6 people
People per booking: 1–5
Guide: English
Operated by: DC by Foot

Ages: Youth (0–16 years) · Adults (17–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Entrance & Guided Tour of American History Museum
Included: Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide
Included: Skip the Line Access into the National Archives

Not included

Not included: Gratuity

Itinerary

National Museum of American History

1 h 30 min

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.
The National Archives Museum

40 min Admission included

Skip the Line Access into the National Archives for a guided tour

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide OUTSIDE the American History Museum, Constitution Ave. (note there is a National Mall entrance but that is the other side!) We are not affiliated with the information desk. Please be sure to find your DC by Foot guide specifically or contact us directly at the phone numbers provided.