We watched "National Treasure" last night. It's a film starring Nicholas Cage and the plot has him stealing the Declaration of Independence from the National Archives. We didn't want to steal it, just view it. This is the Archives building viewed across the fountain in the Sculpture Garden.
We got into the elevator and were surprised to see the Constitution etched on the inside of the door. The line waiting to get into the rotunda wasn't very long this late in the afternoon. They allow a group of about 40 people in at a time and you can take pictures, but no flash. The light is kept dim and the printing on the documents is faint so we didn't get any printable pictures. It is interesting how many people come to view these important documents, referred to as "The Charters of Freedom" (Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights) even if you can't read them because of their fading.
David and Vicki went through another exhibit entitled "Public Vaults" about how documents are acquired and kept by the Archives. The National Archives and Records administration is the nation's record keeper. Like a City Clerk on steroids. The Agency was created in 1934 and keeps records of all 3 branches of the Federal Government. (Civics 101 test: can you name the three?) John and I went through the exhibit called "From School House to White House" about the 20th century Presidents and their school days, complete with report cards and essays they wrote. All the material came from the Presidential Libraries which are operated by the National Archives.
Back home on the Metro and Vicki and I did laundry after dinner in preparation for our trip to Gettysburg tomorrow.
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