National Archives to Add 19th Amendment to Permanent ‘Charters of Freedom’ Display
Press Release · Monday, September 23, 2024

Washington, DC

Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan has announced that the National Archives will add the 19th Amendment - which removed restrictions for women to vote - to the permanent display of the Charters of Freedom in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, in March 2026. 

“The 19th Amendment enabled the largest enfranchisement in the history of the United States, removing voting restrictions for more than half of all Americans. We are adding it, and the Emancipation Proclamation, to the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives Rotunda to share a more complete story of our nation's ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union,” Shogan said. “I am thrilled we are adding these documents as we celebrate 250 years of the United States of America. I look forward to welcoming all Americans to experience first-hand this engaging history on display.” 

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Joint Resolution of Congress proposing a constitutional amendment that "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” June 4, 1919. National Archives Identifier 596314.

View in National Archives Catalog

Passed by Congress on June 4, 1919; ratified on August 18, 1920; and certified on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment is celebrated as the culmination of over eight decades of advocacy by the woman suffrage movement. To learn more about this milestone document, visit the National Archives Catalog. Visit the National Archives DocsTeach site to read the transcript and find educational resources about the 19th Amendment.

New encasements will be added to the Rotunda of the National Archives Building to permanently house the 19th Amendment and the Emancipation Proclamation alongside the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. Shogan previously announced that the Emancipation Proclamation will be added to the Rotunda in January 2026. 

The National Archives Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the National Archives, is generously supporting the creation of the new encasements and related programs to support the displays. Visit archivesfoundation.org for more information.

These additions to the Rotunda will be celebrated as part of the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026. The National Archives is hosting a nationwide, multi-year celebration in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Known as Declaration250, the celebration includes activities around the country and online. For more information on how you can join the celebration, go to Declaration250.gov.

The National Archives Building in Washington, DC, is located at 701 Constitution Avenue, NW. The Rotunda and exhibit spaces are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily with free admission. Metro: Yellow or Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial station. Plan your visit at visit.archives.gov.

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 online at www.archives.gov. 

About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation 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. Learn more at www.archivesfoundation.org.