Several of America's most important historical documents embarked on a national tour Monday as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebration. The Boeing 737 "Freedom Plane" departed from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, carrying an original engraving of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington’s Oath of Allegiance, and other significant artifacts.
Key Takeaways
Several key historical U.S. documents have begun a national tour as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration. The Boeing 737 'Freedom Plane' departed from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Monday and is set to visit eight cities across the country.
- Key founding documents, including an original engraving of the Declaration of Independence, are traveling for the first time in U.S. history.
- The tour aims to bring tangible history closer to communities nationwide.
- The Freedom Plane will make stops in Kansas City, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn, and Seattle.
- Over 5,000 schoolchildren have already booked visits to see the documents at their first stop in Kansas City.
The documents are typically housed in secured vaults at the National Archives but will now be displayed for free at local museums across eight cities. The first stop is Kansas City, Missouri, where they will be transferred to the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Other planned stops include Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn, and Seattle.
"It's tangible history, and tangible history inspires," said Jim Byron, senior adviser to the acting archivist of the United States. "These documents have not traveled collectively ever."
The tour is part of a broader effort to mark America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The initiative includes various events and activities coordinated by a congressionally chartered commission, America 250, and a separate White House-led initiative called Freedom 250.
Among other planned activities are a fleet of mobile museums driving across the country, a story collection initiative, and a Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump has also announced plans for "Patriot Games" featuring high school athletes and a UFC mixed-martial arts fight at the White House.
Matt Naylor, president and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, expressed enthusiasm about the documents' arrival in Kansas City. "The reality that these documents are leaving D.C. and coming to the heartland is fantastic," he said. Local schools have already booked visits for more than 5,000 schoolchildren.
The Freedom Plane tour was inspired by the American Freedom Train that toured 48 states in 1975 and 1976 as part of the country’s bicentennial celebration. The current initiative aims to bring history closer to communities nationwide, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity for people to see these priceless artifacts up close.
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