National Archives Launches New Internet Website
Press Release · Friday, June 30, 2000

College Park, MD

As part of its July 4th celebration, the National Archives and Records Administration will launch its redesigned website, featuring the Charters of Freedom-the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Beginning at noon on July 4th, look for "Charters" on our website: http://www.archives.gov/ and read about the history of our nation's most precious documents; follow the exciting new project to preserve the Charters; get information about the renovation of the historic National Archives Building; and find out how you can help support these activities. Check out the kids' site, "Just For Fun," that features educational activities relating to the founding documents and the "News Media" site, designed to help the press get the latest information on these projects.

This is the first installment of a two-part initiative to enhance the entire National Archives website. The second installment will be available online in December 2000. This redesign will make information about the National Archives more accessible and easier to find. It will offer up-to-date information to visitors, educators, scholars, students, and the general public. One click will gain you access to Presidential libraries, the Federal Register, the Research Rooms in Washington, DC or to our regional archives, and to our database of documents. You will be able to visit our online exhibits and our award-winning Digital Classroom webpage.

While the research rooms will remain open to the public during the renovation of the National Archives Building, the National Archives Rotunda, beginning July 5, 2001, will be closed to the public for approximately two years. Even though the public will not be able to view the original documents while they undergo conservation treatment and re-encasement, the new Charters website will help to fill that void, by providing visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the re-encasement effort and the renovation progress.

The new site is designed by ARS Interactive, of Alexandria, Virginia.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

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