WASHINGTON, DC.- Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein announced the reopening of the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives building on Saturday, July 15, 2006, after a three week closure due to flood damage. The National Archives building is located on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC.

The Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom (the Charters of Freedom are the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights), the Public Vaults exhibition, and the new Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives exhibition, will reopen on Saturday, July 15, 2006. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., daily. The building will reopen for research on Wednesday, July 19, 2006, in a limited capacity. Research hours are from 8:45 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, there will be no evening or Saturday research hours.

“Much like the history of this nation, we are a success story,” said Professor Weinstein. “The staff of the National Archives has worked literally around the clock for three weeks to make this day possible. While we apologize to visitors who have been inconvenienced and disappointed, we celebrate tomorrow’s reopening, and hope that you will join us.”

On the evening of June 25, 2006, record-breaking rainfall in the Washington, DC area flooded Constitution Avenue. The water flooded the National Archives building’s transformer vaults and sub-basement areas, including the William G. McGowan Theater, causing significant damage. No original records were affected by the flood. Emergency crews immediately began recovery efforts working 24 hours a day, removing the standing water by the morning of June 27, installing industrial dehumidifiers to remove moisture, and then repairing primary electrical feeds and switchgear to the building. Presently, all critical building systems are operational although some are operating at reduced capacity.

Due to extensive damage, the William G. McGowan Theater will be closed until further notice.