Japanese Instrument of Surrender Now on Display at the National Archives Museum

80 Years Since the End of World War II, featuring the Japanese Instrument of Surrender is now on display at the National Archives Museum’s historic Rotunda as part of the museum’s Featured Document series. This record, along with an Imperial Japanese Reprint, will be on display beginning today, August 28, 2025, through September 30, 2025.

Timed entry tickets are encouraged but not required. To learn more about the museum and see all exhibits currently on display, visit the National Archives Museum website.

The Instrument of Surrender that secured an unconditional surrender of the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters and all Japanese armed forces to the Allied Powers and ended World War II. NAID: 1752336

The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

On August 28, 1963 a quarter million people came to the nation’s capital to petition the government in a demonstration known as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Frustrated by the inaction of a gridlocked Congress, the marchers called for Congress to pass the Civil Rights bill and featured the iconic “I Have A Dream" speech by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

While the March did not immediately change the balance of power in Congress in support of civil rights, it did accomplish two very important things. First, it prompted many Americans to reconsider their perspective on the Civil Rights Movement. Second, it reaffirmed the strength of American liberal institutions. For many Americans, the confirmation that our nation and government institutions were resilient enough to withstand a non–violent mass protest on a deeply divisive issue was reason enough to hope for democracy to prevail.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the March on Washington. NAID: 237616620

Last Chance to See the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

Visitors have until September 2, 2025 to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, as this world-class exhibition comes to a close.

This exhibit features eight authentic Dead Sea Scrolls and more than 200 artifacts from the Second Temple period. Embark on this unforgettable journey through history before it's gone!

To purchase tickets and learn more about what you will see on display, visit the Reagan Library and Museum website.

A visitor looks at the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.