Two foundational documents of American freedom have taken their place alongside the nation’s founding charters. The Emancipation Proclamation and the 19th Amendment are now on permanent display in the rotunda of the National Archives.
This marks the first permanent alteration to the hallowed space in nearly 75 years. The documents join the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
The addition represents a significant expansion of the narrative presented at the nation’s record keeper. It directly incorporates the struggles for liberty and equality that followed the founding era.
Visitors will now encounter a more complete story of American rights under the rotunda’s iconic dome. The change reflects a broader historical perspective within the institution’s most visited room.