By History Colorado Center in Denver selected as one of only eight cultural institutions to host a collection of America’s most consequential documents in 2026 as part of the America 250 – Colorado 150 commemoration.
History Colorado’s flagship museum in Denver is one of only eight cultural institutions nationwide chosen to display a collection of remarkable documents from our nation’s founding that have never before traveled together.
The Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation is a traveling exhibition taking flight to honor 250 years of American independence. The exhibition is coming to the History Colorado Center for a limited time only as part of the America 250 – Colorado 150 commemoration.
The History Colorado Center is among a select group of museums across the country chosen by the National Archives and Records Administration to host this historic exhibition featuring rare original documents that shaped the nation. Many of these documents are traveling outside of Washington, D.C. for the first time. History Colorado was selected to host this exhibition in part because of the institution’s commitment to connecting the community with our shared past.
The Freedom Plane’s Denver stop runs from May 28 through June 14, 2026, providing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to experience America’s founding history firsthand. History Colorado Center visitors will see historic artifacts, such as an original engraving of the Declaration of Independence and a tally of votes approving the U.S. Constitution – alongside ongoing exhibitions like Moments That Made US and 38th Star: Colorado Becomes the Centennial State. Also coming to Colorado is a rare secret printing of the U.S. Constitution in draft form with a delegate’s handwritten notes, as well as a copy of the Treaty of Paris recognizing American independence, signed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay. These documents offer Americans a powerful opportunity to reflect on the nation’s founding ideals and how successive generations embraced their promises in striving to create a more perfect union.
History Colorado aims to maximize community access across Colorado and the West by inviting visitors to see these inspirational, aspirational, and foundational documents – without any admission costs for this exhibition.
“Freedom Plane offers a tangible opportunity to reflect on what it means to be American. These documents embody the revolutionary idea that we are a nation bound together by shared ideals,” said Dawn DiPrince, president/CEO of History Colorado and the State Historic Preservation Officer. “History Colorado is honored to be invited to host Freedom Plane, and we extend the invitation to our fellow Coloradans to witness this exhibition.”
To highlight the significance of this exhibition, the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission – established by Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado General Assembly and housed within History Colorado – selected the Freedom Plane National Touras its thirteenth official signature initiative. The Freedom Plane’s stop in Denver anchors statewide programming and educational outreach during the commemoration year, reinforcing the Commission’s mission to invite reflection, learning, and civic engagement across all 64 counties.
“This is a powerful moment for Colorado and our commemoration,” said Timothy Wolfe, Commission co-chair and director of the Colorado Tourism Office. “Being selected as a Freedom Plane host city once again places Colorado on the national stage and reinforces our state’s role in shaping America’s past, present, and future. This exhibition will allow Coloradans and visitors to connect directly with the documents and ideals that launched our democracy.”
Inspired by the iconic Bicentennial Freedom Train, the Freedom Plane National Tour is led by the National Archives and Records Administration and the National Archives Foundation, with national corporate partners including The Boeing Company, Comcast Corporation, Microsoft, and P&G supporting the effort. The tour will travel to major cultural institutions across the country, including museums in Kansas City, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Dearborn, and Seattle.
For more information on the Freedom Plane National Tour’s stop at the History Colorado Center, visit historycolorado.org/freedom-plane. To learn more about Colorado’s America 250 – Colorado 150 signature initiatives, visit Am250CO150.org.
About History Colorado
The History Colorado Center is a state-of-the-art cultural venue in the heart of Denver featuring award-winning exhibitions that share the diverse cultural heritage of the Centennial State. History Colorado is home to and a key partner of the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission, which is leading the state’s 2026 commemorations and signature initiatives, including the Freedom Plane National Tour exhibition.
History Colorado is a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served more than 75,000 students and 500,000 people in Colorado each year. It is a 146-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation which provides technical assistance, educational opportunities, and other access to archaeology and historic preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is one of the nation’s largest state funded preservation programs of its kind. More than 70% of SHF grants are allocated in rural areas of the state. Additionally, the offices of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer are part of History Colorado.
History Colorado serves as the state’s memory, preserving and sharing the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, collecting, outreach to Colorado communities, the History Colorado Center and Stephen H. Hart Research Center in Denver, and 10 other museums and historic attractions statewide. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado
About the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commemoration
The America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission is leading Colorado’s commemoration of 150 years of statehood and 250 years of American independence in 2026. Established by Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado General Assembly, the Commission brings together leaders from across the state to guide this historic milestone. Through its campaign, “The View From Here,” the Commission invites all Coloradans to reflect on our shared history and imagine the future, recognizing Colorado’s unique legacy as the only state founded on the nation’s 100th birthday in 1876. Working alongside state agencies, regional Advisory Panel members, and local communities, the Commission will showcase signature initiatives, educational programs, exhibits, and community-led events to inspire engagement statewide. For more information and ways to get involved, visit Am250CO150.org.
About the National Archives
The National Archives and Records Administration is a federal agency that serves the American people by preserving and making available the records of the United States Government through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries. The National Archives is the custodian of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, on display for all to experience in Washington, DC. Learn more about the holdings of the National Archives at https://www.archives.gov/.
About the National Archives Foundation
The National Archives Foundation is an independent nonprofit foundation that increases public awareness of the National Archives, inspires a deeper appreciation of our country’s heritage, and encourages citizen engagement in our democracy. The Foundation generates financial and creative support for National Archives exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, introducing America’s records to people around the U.S. and the world. Learn more at www.archivesfoundation.org.
