More than a hundred guests from as far as Massachusetts poured into the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, for a fun and historic space-themed sleepover during the third weekend in October. 

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Families prepare for bed by bringing in sleeping bags, unrolling mats, and inflating mattresses in the Rotunda of the National Archives during the National Archives Sleepover, October 19, 2024. NARA photo by Susana Raab

It was the second National Archives Sleepover hosted by Dr. Colleen Shogan since her swearing-in as Archivist of the United States in May 2023. 

“Besides the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, how many documents do you think we hold at the National Archives?” Shogan asked guests during her welcome remarks. “13.5 billion! That includes 3 billion right here in this building in Washington, DC!”

“Talk about needing space!” remarked special guest Nicole Stott, who engaged guests with her experiences as a veteran NASA astronaut, author, artist, engineer, and aquanaut. 

“When you look at Earth from space, you feel a connection to it. I feel the same way when I look at our founding charters and all the work the National Archives has done to preserve them,” Stott said. “There is this sense of awe and wonder, seeing the foundations that are so relevant to life as we know it.”

Children asked thoughtful questions about Stott’s experiences as an astronaut. Other activities included arts and crafts and the opportunity to send a postcard to space through Blue Origin’s Club for the Future, a project to inspire youth interest in STEM. Guests of all ages loved posing for selfies and family photos as they explored the Rotunda after hours. 

The National Archives has hosted sleepovers since 2014. Children between the ages of 8 and 12 and their chaperones experience the rare opportunity to sleep at the National Archives beside the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. They can also choose to watch National Treasure in the William G. McGowan Theater. The following morning, they are treated to a pancake breakfast served by the Archivist of the United States. 

“My kids are so lucky to experience something like this so early in their lives,” said guest Melissa Wiley. “People travel from all over the world to visit the National Archives and the founding charters in person.”

Adults enjoyed coffee and a buffet breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. Children lined up for plain, chocolate chip, and banana pancakes served (and flipped with style!) by Shogan and Patrick Madden, Director of the National Archives Foundation. After breakfast, guests visited the National Archives Store before departing at 9 a.m.

The next sleepover is scheduled for February 1–2, 2025. For more information and to register for future sleepovers, visit www.archivesfoundation.org/sleepover. Questions about the event should be directed to info@archivesfoundation.org. 

This National Archives Sleepover is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation.