National Archives Joins Interagency Group for Online Reservations
Press Release · Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Washington, DC

Thanks to the National Recreation Reservation Service, tours are just a mouse click away!

The National Archives has joined the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS), a Federal interagency reservation service, provided under contract by the U.S. Forest Service. Participating in the NRRS online reservation service, www.Recreation.gov, will make it easier for individuals, families, and large groups alike to visit the National Archives. By simply going online, visitors can now reserve their choice of dates and times in a matter of minutes. While reservations are not required to visit the National Archives, this new service will offer another option for those who wish to plan ahead and beat the crowds.

“The National Archives is excited to join the National Recreation Reservation Service. This important step will simplify vacation planning for our visitors and provide an opportunity for easy access to the National Archives Experience,” said Acting Archivist Adrienne Thomas.

The National Archives joins a number of other Federal agencies working with the NRRS for “one stop” online reservations, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the USDA Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior (which includes the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation).

Starting TOMORROW, November 11, visitors to the National Archives Experience can make reservations through the NRRS by accessing the National Archives Experience web site at [www.archives.gov/nae/visit/reserved-visits.html]. Or visitors may access NRSS directly.

Advance reservations will allow visitors to avoid the exterior portion of the line to see the Charters of Freedom during the height of the tourist season (mid-March through Labor Day) and during holiday seasons such as the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. The convenience fee for online reservations is $1.50 per person and admission to all of the National Archives Experience exhibits is free.

Reservations can also be made through the NRRS Call Center: 1-877-444-6777, Group Sales Reservations: 1-877-559-6777, or TDD: 1-877-833-6777.

By joining the NRRS, the National Archives supports ongoing electronic government (or E-Gov) initiatives that simplify how citizens and businesses interact with the government, save taxpayer dollars, and streamline citizen-to-government transactions. See more information on E-Gov initiatives [http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/e-gov]. For more information on the NRRS, see http://www.recreation.gov

About the National Archives Experience

A “must see” tourist destination, the National Archives Experience houses this nation’s true “National Treasures” -- the Charters of Freedom -- the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. The National Archives Experience also includes the Public Vaults permanent exhibition, the Lawrence F. O’Brien temporary exhibition gallery, the Boeing Learning Center, and the William G. McGowan Theater. Museum hours are 10 am – 5:30 pm from the day after Labor Day - March 14, and 10 am – 7 pm from March 15 – Labor Day. Closed Thanksgiving and December 25. The National Archives Experience is located in Washington, DC on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW; the building is fully accessible. See more information on the National Archives Experience, including programs, events and exhibitions.

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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at 202-357-5300.

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