They support the public's right to know about the essential activities of their Government. Immediate, online access to authenticated versions of these Core Documents of Democracy increases in importance as Americans grow ever more dependent on remote electronic access to basic information resources, both past and present. Although there is no substitute for an actual visit, this exhibit will allow you to study the documents in greater detail than is possible for the rotunda visitor. We have, for example, carefully scanned our images from some of the most highly detailed photographs ever made of the documents. In addition, this exhibit will permit you to examine the Letter of Transmittal and pages two and three of the Constitution, which are only rarely displayed.
Original documents are the raw stuff of history.
They are physical links to the past. The original documents of the United States government, those that have been identified as having permanent value, are preserved and made available to the public by the National Archives. D.C. American Originals presents a selection of some of the most significant and compelling documents from the National Archives holdings. Users also can view and read the Magna Carta, which is on loan from the Perot Foundation. Although there is no substitute for an actual visit, this exhibit will allow you to study the documents in greater detail than is possible for the rotunda visitor.