Reagan Library to Display Louisiana Purchase and Other Historic Documents as National Archives Opens Its Vault

SIMI VALLEY, CA — The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) will display, for a limited time only, documents from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), including the Louisiana Purchase, a draft of the 14th Amendment, the Alien and Sedition Acts, Brown v. Board of Education, and the Missouri Compromise. These items will be part of a special display to continue the celebration of 250 years of American independence, from September 9 through October 14, 2026. 

As part of NARA’s nationwide initiative, “Opening the Vault at the Presidential Libraries,” the RRPFI will feature the following documents:

●      The Louisiana Purchase

●      The Bill of Rights, Senate Revisions

●      1954 Brown v. Board of Education

●      Dred Scott v. John Sandford

●      14th Amendment Draft

●      Judgment in Plessy v. Ferguson

●      1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act

●      1820 Missouri Compromise

●      Broadside of the Treaty of Paris

●      Alien and Sedition Acts

●      Statue of Liberty Deed of Gift

●      Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

●      Treasury Warrant for Purchase of Alaska

“We are thrilled to welcome these extraordinary pieces of history as the National Archives opens its vault to the public,” said Melissa Giller, Chief Marketing and Cultural Programming Officer of RRPFI. “These documents capture defining moments in our nation’s past and bring the pivotal decisions, debates and turning points of our country directly to life for our visitors." 

While distinct from the Reagan Library’s ongoing “America 250” exhibition, these NARA vault items complement the broader celebration of American history. For only a few days, visitors to the Reagan Library will have a unique opportunity to view the documents from the National Archives in addition to the items in the "America 250" exhibit, such as John Trumbull’s painting “The Declaration of Independence” and a cannon used in a pivotal moment of the Battle of Gettysburg. While the “America 250” exhibition closes on September 13, the vault documents will be on display through October 14. 

To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/plan-your-visit. 

About the Reagan Foundation and Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride. 

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, scholarly initiatives, and distinctive educational programs shaping the perspectives of middle, high school, and college students. 

In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library. A leading cultural institution, RRPFI houses a remarkable 125,000 square foot museum with unique historical pieces that tells the story of Ronald Reagan’s life, presidency, and enduring impact, and hosts world-class special exhibitions. More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.

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