Rare Revolutionary War Documents Begin Historic Cross-Country Tour

Precious historical documents typically locked away in National Archives vaults are embarking on an unprecedented nationwide tour to celebrate America's upcoming 250th birthday. The documents, including the 1783 Treaty of Paris and materials signed by George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, will be displayed for free at museums across eight cities.

A collection of America’s most treasured historical documents launched an unprecedented cross-country tour Monday as part of celebrations leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday milestone.

Documents that normally remain secured in climate-controlled storage facilities at the National Archives, including the 1783 Treaty of Paris that officially concluded the Revolutionary War and the 1774 Articles of Association encouraging colonists to refuse British products, are seldom relocated from their protected environment.

However, these priceless papers bearing the signatures of George Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and other founding fathers will travel nationwide for public viewing at no cost in community museums.

“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, and they’ve certainly not traveled collectively, ever. They are here in vaults.”

The specially designated Boeing 737 “Freedom Plane” carrying these artifacts represents just one element of numerous nationwide activities planned to commemorate America’s approaching 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing on July 4, 1776. Two separate organizations – the congressionally established America 250 commission and a White House-coordinated Freedom 250 program – are organizing commemorative events, creating some overlap that has drawn criticism in Washington.

Planned commemorative activities include traveling mobile museums touring the nation, a storytelling collection project, and a Great American State Fair scheduled for Washington D.C.’s National Mall. President Donald Trump has also revealed plans for “Patriot Games” featuring high school athletic competitions and UFC mixed-martial arts matches at the White House.

The aircraft departed Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Monday morning, heading first to Kansas City, Missouri, where the historical materials will be transferred to the National WWI Museum and Memorial. The collection features an original 1823 Declaration of Independence engraving created from the original copperplate, 1778 Oaths of Allegiance bearing signatures from George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and fellow Continental Army officers, plus a draft Constitution manuscript containing handwritten delegate annotations.

Additional tour destinations include Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn (a Detroit suburb), and Seattle.

“The reality that these documents are leaving D.C. and coming to the heartland is fantastic,” said Matt Naylor, president and CEO of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, where they will be on display for a little over two weeks starting Friday. “There’s a lot of excitement about that and a lot of talk in and around the city about what that means.”

Naylor reported exceptional early interest, with area schools already scheduling visits for over 5,000 students.

“That’s indicating that there’s a lot of enthusiasm for this,” he said.

The “Freedom Plane” concept draws inspiration from the “American Freedom Train” that visited 48 states during 1975 and 1976 for the nation’s bicentennial celebration, transporting various American historical artifacts including original Louisiana Purchase documents, Judy Garland’s Wizard of Oz costume, and Jesse Owens’ 1936 Olympic gold medals.