Stacy

We are going to Washington DC from March 29 to April 1st and want to do tours of these two buildings. Our congressman says she can't get tickets for either of these because they are all booked up (we asked two months ago and just heard from her yesterday). What time do we need to line up to get tickets and are the tours worth the time it takes to get them? Is the Archives a walk in line or do we need tickets?
Thanks for your help!

rb_travelerxATyahoo

Are they worth it? Well, only you can answer that. The idea of the "Printing & Engraving" has never much interested me, but I went with others to check on admission last year. Free timed tickets offered each morning, but can't remember what time they start disbursing them.

Went to Archives again last month & got all the way in for the first time - yes, you do wait in line. It is certainly something to see them, altho they are so faded it's hard to read them. Visitors are reminded by staff that you need not try to READ the entire documents -- copies available elsewhere.

My previous visits I decided that the wait time looked too long for the "final reward", and went to see other things, since my time was somewhat limited.

seashell

Stacy, We were able to get tickets through our Congressman for the Engraving and Printing tour. It was interesting, but... with your limited time, I think that I would choose something else. Especially if you have to wait for tickets. We went to the Archives the week after it re-opened. I was expecting a long line and it was, but well worth it to me. At the time, they also had people dressed up as Abe Lincoln and others who walked through the line to talk with you. (This may have been just for the re-open) If I remember correctly, we went during the week and early. The line got worse as the morning went. Enjoy! I must say that it was one of the best trips we have ever taken.

ncgrrl

Went to National Archives about a month ago and just walked in the building. It was a Friday afternoon and even found parking nearby. It was a self-guided tour so that might be a difference than the Congress rep. issued tickets. Also might want to try your senators for tickets too.

rb_travelerxATyahoo

It was a Friday afternoon (2/4) when I finally saw the Charters of Freedom too, and the street traffic was down - everyone heading out for the weekend? Maybe Friday is a good day to visit.

I had some time afterwards to visit some OTHER areas of the Archives as well, and suggest seeing those too. Because I make short trips often to DC, I'm more inclined to skip long lines.

There was no special appearances or performances when I went, just a line of maybe 100 people waiting to get into the rotundra, and guards trying to hustle people thru.

Past posts here and other travel forums give mixed reviews of Engraving & Printing. It sounds too much like a factory tour to me, but everyones interests do vary. I think you can go directly (after security) to the gift shop if something like uncut $20's and other items are what really fascinates you, rather than the printing aspect.

You'll find that 4 days will not be enough time to see all you want to in DC - enjoy your visit.