Opening the Vault: The Beginning of Our Union

France played a critical role in supporting the United States as it fought for independence from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War and the Marquis de Lafayette was a key broker in this bilateral relationship.

The National Archives invites you to view the latest rotation of Opening the Vault: The Beginning of Union, now on display at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, through November 6, 2025. Explore Marquis de Lafayette’s Oath of Allegiance, the Articles of Association, the Treaty of Alliance with France, and more.

Articles of Association, page 3, October 20, 1774

NAID: 6277397

70th Anniversary: The Presidential Libraries Act of 1955

On August 12, 1955, Congress passed the Presidential Libraries Act, which established a federal system for preserving the papers, records and other historical materials of U.S. Presidents. Such materials include letters written by citizens to Presidents (and vice versa) as well as many artifacts. The Act was later amended in 1986.

Gold tiara decorated with colored stones from the Atlas Mountains. Presented to Eleanor Roosevelt on January 22, 1943, by the Sultan of Morocco, Sidi Mohammed. 

FDR Library Museum Collection, MO 1943.191.3.

Behind the Musical: Alexander Hamilton Documents

August 6, 2025 was the 10th anniversary of the opening of “Hamilton,” the Broadway musical. Discover primary resources in the National Archives, such as Alexander Hamilton’s Oath of Allegiance, George Washington’s nomination of Hamilton as Secretary for the Department of the Treasury, and Hamilton’s Statement of Property and Debts on the DocsTeach website.

Alexander Hamilton’s Oath of Allegiance, May 12, 1778

NAID: 2524343