Bandelmug, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons / The National Archives
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This summer, Miami will have the rare opportunity to view foundational records that haven’t left Washington, D.C. in decades! As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence, HistoryMiami Museum has been selected as one of just eight institutions to display “Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation.” This traveling exhibition, organized by the National Archives, will bring Founding-era pieces to the heart of downtown Miami.
From June 20 through July 5 — in time for Independence Day — the tour will give visitors a firsthand glimpse of the original documents. Inspired by the 1976 Bicentennial Freedom Train, they’ll arrive in the city to much fanfare on a specially designated aircraft on June 15.
The National Archives 📜 What will be on display?
You can expect to find some of the most pivotal records in American history, including:
The William Stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence, 1823 The Articles of Association, 1774 George Washington’s, Alexander Hamilton’s and Aaron Burr’s Oaths of Allegiance, 1778 The Treaty of Paris, 1783 A draft printing of the Constitution, 1787 State delegation votes, 1787
Alongside the showcase, HistoryMiami will launch “America 250: Voices of the Future,” a countywide oratorical contest for high school students. The winning essay will be added to the museum’s permanent collection, and the student will deliver their speech during the official semiquincentennial celebrations.
Additionally, there will be a digital mural where guests are invited to share their hopes for the nation’s future, titled “Wishes for America.” And in the spirit of democratic access, admission to the museum will be entirely free for the duration of the multi-day exhibition!
HistoryMiami Museum 📜 2026 National Tour Schedule Kansas City, MO: March 6-22 Atlanta, GA: March 27-April 12 Los Angeles, CA: April 17-May 3 Houston, TX: May 8–25 Denver, CO: May 28-June 14 Miami, FL: June 20–July 5 Dearborn, MI: July 9-26 Seattle, WA: July 30-August 16
For more information on the upcoming exhibit and contest entry details, visit HistoryMiami.org.
📍 101 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130