The following news release posted two days ago, but I missed it. So – I’m posting it on GenealogyBlog now:
November 10, 2009: Washington, DC: For the first time, the National Archives will launch a new online reservation system tomorrow, November 11, to make it easier for individuals, families, and large groups alike to visit National Archives. By simply going online, visitors can reserve their choice of dates and times in a matter of minutes. While reservations are not required to visit the National Archives and admission is free, this new system will eliminate the long lines and often lengthy wait.
“This important step will simplify the vacation planning process for our visitors and provide an opportunity for easy access to the National Archives Experience,” said Acting Archivist Adrienne Thomas. Reservations will be handled through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS).
Starting TOMORROW, visitors to the National Archives Experience can make reservations online, from the NRRS web site at www.recreation.gov. 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.
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.
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 through 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, and the building is fully accessible.About the National Recreation Reservation Service
Reservations will be handled through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS), a Federal interagency reservation service for recreation facilities and activities.The NRRS serves numerous other Federal agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service. This reservation system is part of a government initiative to simplify how citizens interact with the government. For more information, see http://www.recreation.gov
