Words That Built a Nation
Some of the most important words in American history are written on real documents you can still visit today. Let's travel together and meet them.
The Declaration of Independence
In 1776, the American colonies announced that they would no longer be ruled by another country. The Declaration of Independence told the world they were becoming a brand-new nation.
The Constitution
The Constitution is the plan for how the United States government works. It explains the jobs of the government and sets the rules everyone agrees to follow.
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first ten changes, called amendments, added to the Constitution. It protects important freedoms, like the freedom to speak and to share ideas.
How Do You Protect Words?
Paper and ink do not last forever. To protect these treasures, experts seal each page inside a specially built case and keep it cool, dark, and away from the air that could slowly wear it down.
Come See Them Yourself
These three documents are called the Charters of Freedom, and the real ones are kept at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. You can visit and see them in person.