Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan has announced that the National Archives will add the 19th Amendment – which removed restrictions for women to vote – to the permanent display of the Charters of Freedom in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, in March 2026.
Shogan commented:
The 19th Amendment enabled the largest enfranchisement in the history of the United States, removing voting restrictions for more than half of all Americans. We are adding it, and the Emancipation Proclamation, to the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives Rotunda to share a more complete story of our nation’s ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union. I am thrilled we are adding these documents as we celebrate 250 years of the United States of America. I look forward to welcoming all Americans to experience first-hand this engaging history on display.
Dr. Colleen Shogan, Archivist of the United States
Joint Resolution of Congress proposing a constitutional amendment that “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” June 4, 1919. National Archives Identifier 596314
Passed by Congress on June 4, 1919; ratified on August 18, 1920; and certified on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment is celebrated as the culmination of over eight decades of advocacy by the woman suffrage movement. To learn more about this milestone document, visit the National Archives Catalog. Visit the National Archives DocsTeach site to read the transcript and find educational resources about the 19th Amendment.
New encasements will be added to the Rotunda of the National Archives Building to permanently house the 19th Amendment and the Emancipation Proclamation alongside the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. Shogan previously announced that the Emancipation Proclamation will be added to the Rotunda in January 2026.
The National Archives Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the National Archives, is generously supporting the creation of the new encasements and related programs to support the displays. Visit archivesfoundation.org for more information.
These additions to the Rotunda will be celebrated as part of the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026. The National Archives is hosting a nationwide, multi-year celebration in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Known as Declaration250, the celebration includes activities around the country and online. For more information on how you can join the celebration, go to Declaration250.gov.
The National Archives Building in Washington, DC, is located at 701 Constitution Avenue, NW. The Rotunda and exhibit spaces are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily with free admission. Metro: Yellow or Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial station. Plan your visit at visit.archives.gov.
Image Source:
- The 19th Amendment: NARA
