A special event for the country’s 250th anniversary begins this week with the debut of the Freedom Plane National Tour as part of the National Archives’ recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The tour brings historical documents that played an important role in American history to people throughout the country in an eight-city tour.
“For the first time in history, unique and original Founding-era documents have taken flight as part of the Freedom Plane National Tour,” read a release from the National Archives. “The documents are now traveling the country as part of the National Archives’ celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. These historic documents will travel to each corner of the country, allowing Americans the opportunity to celebrate the semiquincentennial in their hometowns.”
The Freedom Plane tour will feature nine “original Founding-era documents,” including the Articles of Association from 1774, the Oaths of Allegiance signed by George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr from 1778, the Treaty of Paris from 1783, which ended the American Revolution, David Brearley’s draft printing of the U.S. Constitution from 1787, an official record of the voting on approving the Constitution by state delegates from 1787, a markup of the Bill of Rights by the U.S. Senate from 1789, and an engraving of the Declaration of Independence by William J. Stone from 1823.
“It really is the best gift that we can give younger generations of Americans to have that sense of America,” said Monica Crowley, chief of the protocol of the United States Ambassador, at Monday’s send-off ceremony.
Jim Byron, senior official at the National Archives serving with the authority of the Archivist of the United States, said these documents show that the principles and ideals of the Founding Fathers are everlasting.
“What they prove today is that the nation that our Founding Fathers brought forth has more than survived the test of time – it has thrived,” said Byron. “And 250 years on, we are charged with carrying on what they started, to ensure that this noble American experiment lives on, boldly and proudly.”
The tour begins on March 6, 2026, with a stop at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. The Freedom Plane National Tour will also stop at Atlanta, Georgia; Dearborn, Michigan; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; and Seattle, Washington. The documents will visit museums in each city, with the exhibit remaining slightly longer than two weeks at each location.
“America’s 250th birthday is truly a celebration for the entire country,” said Crowley. “The Founding documents of our Republic belong to the American people. The Freedom Plane National Tour invites Americans everywhere to see firsthand the records and ideals that shaped our Confidential – Not for Public Consumption or Distribution exceptional nation. By sending these historic documents across the country, we are ensuring that our nation’s history is a living legacy carried forward from sea to shining sea.”
ON THIS DAY: THE BOMBARDMENT BEGINS!
The Freedom Plane drew its inspiration from 1976’s Bicentennial Freedom Train, according to the National Archives. It is a Boeing 737 being donated for the 250th anniversary celebration and to take the documents around the country by The Boeing Company.
“Those who may not be planning to visit our nation’s capital this year can celebrate our country’s 250th birthday by experiencing these incredible Founding Documents in their cities and communities,” said Byron “We hope this Tour inspires Americans today with the same sense of idealism and purpose as our Founders, to carry our country forward for another 250 years and beyond.”
