Encounter the original founding documents of the United States in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the permanent home of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights. These three documents, known collectively as the Charters of Freedom, are instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States.
Declaration of Independence in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Declaration of Independence in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Declaration of Independence with John Hancock's signature
Declaration of Independence showing handprint in lower left corner
Declaration of Independence showing handprint in lower left corner
Back of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, announces a complete break with Britain and expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Page 1 of the Constitution in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Detail of page 1 of the Constitution in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Detail of page 1 of the Constitution in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Page 4 of the Constitution of the United States in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Constitution of the United States in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Constitution of the United States in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Constitution of the United States in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Constitution of the United States in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Constitution of the United States in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Constitution of the United States in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
Page 1 of the Constitution of the United States
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Page 2 of the Constitution of the United States
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Page 3 of the Constitution of the United States
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Page 4 of the Constitution of the United States
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The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States. These four large sheets of parchment define the framework and powers of the Federal Government. Written in 1787, the Constitution established an ingenious practical system of government that derives its power from “We the People of the United States” and promotes the welfare of all its citizens.
Bill of Rights in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom
