Freedom Plane to Showcase Founding Documents Across the U.S.

In celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday, a special aircraft will display significant historical documents, allowing Americans to “experience” their history in a unique way.

This week, the National Archives and Records Administration, along with the National Archives Foundation, shared plans for a Boeing 737 dubbed the Freedom Plane, which will transport these rare documents nationwide.

The tour will kick off in March, stopping at eight cities, including Kansas City, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, Miami, Dearborn, and Seattle, wrapping up by the end of August.

Among the highlights aboard the plane is the original engraving of the 1823 Declaration of Independence, one of only about 50 known copies. This particular document was produced by sculptor William J. Stone on the orders of John Quincy Adams.

Another significant document included is the Articles of Incorporation from 1774. It was signed by 53 delegates who urged a boycott of British goods—marking the early resistance against British rule.

Additionally, the Freedom Plane will carry a rare copy of the draft Constitution, complete with handwritten notes from attendees of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, as well as the Pledge of Allegiance which bore signatures from George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr from 1778.

The final document on the plane will be the tally of votes from 1787 that approved the Constitution, capturing the debates and resolutions of the Constitutional Convention.

Jim Byron, a senior adviser at the U.S. Archives, mentioned that Americans will be able to learn about the pivotal figures who helped shape the nation.

“There is no more significant occasion than America’s 250th birthday to share this history and inspire our fellow Americans to uphold our founding ideals,” Byron commented.

Rodney Slater, president and director of the National Archives Foundation, emphasized that the Freedom Plane National Tour seeks to ensure that this rich history is accessible to all Americans, not just those in Washington D.C.

The exhibits will be free to the public, with varying capacities. However, there is no cap on attendees viewing these documents. A spokesperson noted that if a venue reaches capacity, visitors might have to queue, as the aim is to allow as many people as possible to view the displays.

The Freedom Plane is set to take off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on March 3, beginning its journey in Kansas City.