Thursday, April 3, 2014

National Archives to Host Summer, Fall Sleepovers in Rotunda


From our friends at the National Archives...

Winter Event’s Popularity Prompts New Programs for 8-12 Year-Olds

The National Archives and the Foundation for the National Archives announced today that they will partner to host summer and fall sleepovers for children 8 to 12 years old in the home of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

The sleepovers, scheduled for August 2 and October 18, will each allow 100 children and parents to engage with National Archives records in fun and educational ways before rolling out their sleeping bags to spend the night in the historic National Archives Rotunda.


“Our first-ever sleepover in January was incredibly popular, drawing families from around the country – many of whom had never visited the National Archives before,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. “The demand for tickets was so high and the response so positive that we decided to invite more families during summer vacation and again in the fall. This is a great way to create a meaningful experience for families, to improve civics education, and to inform the public about the role the Archives plays in preserving government records and making them accessible to the people.”

The sleepovers will include numerous hands-on activities, including exploring exhibitions of the National Archives Museum. Guests also will be treated to movies in the Archives’ William G. McGowan Theater before turning in for the night, and will enjoy breakfast and more activities the next morning.

Registration for both of the ticketed sleepovers will begin later this spring. For more information, visit archivesfoundation.org/sleepover.

Watch a video from the January 25 sleepover! View photos here.

This program is supported by the Foundation for the National Archives.

About the National Archives:
The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent Federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education, and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries, and on the Internet at www.archives.gov.

About the Foundation for the National Archives:
The Foundation for the National Archives is an independent nonprofit that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. (archivesfoundation.org)

About the National Archives Museum:
The National Archives Museum, created by the National Archives in partnership with the Foundation for the National Archives, has transformed the visitor experience at the National Archives’ Washington, DC, building, and includes the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the David M. Rubenstein Gallery and its Records of Rights permanent exhibition, the award-winning Public Vaults permanent gallery, the William G. McGowan Theater, the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery for special exhibits, the Boeing Learning Center, the Digital Vaults online exhibit, and the DocsTeach website. These components make the rich resources of the National Archives accessible to Americans nationwide.