Revolution 250 season
Browse our season of events and find out more about the emergence of the United States of America.
Exhibition
Revolution 250: America's Independence Story 1763–1783
Britain and America. One Story, Two Nations
- Date
- 24 June to 29 November 2026
- Price
- Free
About Revolution 250
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of a document that changed the world: The US Declaration of Independence. We are recognising this momentous period in British American history with a powerful free exhibition that charts the emergence of the United States of America.
Featuring original maps, correspondence, first-hand accounts and reports, visitors are taken on a journey spanning twenty years that shaped history. A rare, original ‘Dunlap broadside’ of the Declaration of Independence, printed on the night of 4 July 1776, is also on display.
Alongside the familiar story of Britain and the rebels, discover more about those often overlooked in the traditional narrative – Indigenous peoples, Black Loyalists, and enslaved persons. Uncover the human consequences of the decisions made on both sides of the Atlantic during this time of shifting powers and allegiances.
Revolution 250: America’s Independence Story 1763–1783 not only documents the key political events and military manoeuvres on the road to American independence but also explores the impact of the conflict on those who lived through it.
For this exhibition our team consulted with members of the Onondaga and Mohawk nations, and the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Nova Scotia.
This exhibition contains material relating to colonial violence, slavery, and warfare. Some records include ideas, language and imagery that may be offensive or distressing.
Exhibition supporters
The exhibition is supported by The National Archives Trust and made possible through the generosity of members of the Exhibition Circle:
- The Bisset Trust
- Emma and Justin Dowley
- Rosalind Hedley-Miller
- Mr and Mrs Heesom
- Marc and Rachel Polonsky
- and those who wish to remain anonymous.
- Date
- Tuesday to Sunday
- See our opening times
- Price
-
Free
No booking needed, except groups of 10+
- Location
- Gallery
-
The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, TW9 4DU
- Accessibility
- See our accessibility guide
Exhibition highlights
In pictures
Get a glimpse of some of the documents on display:
Image 1 of 6
250 years ago, the Declaration of Independence boldly proclaimed the Thirteen Colonies as a new, independent nation: the United States of America. Catalogue reference: EXT 9/1
Image 2 of 6
Signed by members of the Mohawk nation, this land agreement formed part of the uneasy system of treaties with Indigenous nations that underpinned British power in North America. Catalogue reference: MPQQ 1/29
Image 3 of 6
Parliamentary legislation like the Tea Act were seen as ‘taxation without representation’. This pushed the Thirteen Colonies towards revolution. Catalogue reference: YHL/PO/PU/1/1772/13G3n132 (Parliament’s Archive Collections)
Image 4 of 6
The ‘Olive Branch’ petition, signed by members of the Continental Congress including Thomas Jefferson, was the rebels’ final attempt at reconciliation with King George III. Catalogue reference: CO 5/76
Image 5 of 6
By signing this letter, rebel general George Washington formally accepted a landmark British surrender at Yorktown – and the beginning of the end of British power in the Thirteen Colonies. Catalogue reference: PRO 30/11/64
Image 6 of 6
This was the first map of North America printed in the new United States, showing the personification of Liberty triumphant next to the new 'stars and stripes' flag. Catalogue reference: CO 700/NorthAmericanColoniesGeneral17
Plan your visit
What is The National Archives?
The National Archives is the official archive of the UK government, and England and Wales. We are the guardians of over 1,000 years of iconic national documents.
Everyone is welcome to visit our headquarters in Kew. We put on exhibitions, events and displays and offer reading rooms giving access to our collections there.
Getting here
The National Archives is located by the River Thames in Kew, 30 minutes from Central London. We offer advice on travelling to us by car, bike, train or bus.
Group visits
Groups of ten people or more must book in advance, at least seven days before your visit.
We unfortunately cannot accept group bookings in the first and last two weeks the exhibition run.
Find out more about booking group visits and our exclusive entry packages for groups.
Audio tour
Visitors to Revolution 250 can listen to a free audio tour of the exhibition. Provided by the exhibition curators, it provides background context to the twenty-year story and objects on show.
To listen to the tour, either download the free Smartify app and search for 'The National Archives' or scan the QR codes at the exhibition entrance.
Accessibility
Everyone is welcome to visit this exhibition once it opens.
- There will be step-free level access throughout all areas
- The exhibition will have low lighting levels
- Large print guides will be available
Children and families
We provide a warm welcome to visitors of all ages, including children and family groups.
- Free activity sheets (for ages 1+) are available from the Time Travel Club trolley in our entrance hall
- Our café is child-friendly and there are picnic benches outside
- Prams and buggies are welcome, and we have a buggy park
- Baby changing facilities are located by our entrance hall, at the top of the main stairs, and in the library
- Emergency supplies of nappies and wipes are available
Eat and drink
We have a café and coffee bar provided by Maids of Honour, a historic local tea room and bakery. It has spacious indoor and outside seating and a soft play area.
On the menu is a variety of high-quality lunchtime meals, sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements are all catered to.
Conditions of entry
We kindly ask all exhibition visitors observe our exhibition conditions of entry:
- Do not bring bags of any size or coats into our Exhibition Gallery. You can store them in a locker in our cloakroom for free.
- Do not bring food and drink into our Exhibition Gallery.
- Do not use any form of flash when taking photographs.
- Do not conduct any filming, recording or commercial photography without obtaining our permission for filming and images.
Events
Join us at one of our in-person or online events.
Hamilton at The National Archives
Get up close to the story of America’s foundation with our display of costumes from the award-winning musical Hamilton.
Stories from Revolution 250
In pictures
The causes of the American Revolution
What were the key moments that led to the American Revolution? From the Boston Tea Party to the Declaration of Independence.
The story of
Ann Nevil: 'The most Notorious Malafactor Imaginable'
Ann Nevil's story is one of many extraordinary people whose lives were changed forever during the American Revolution.
Record revealed
Adrienne de Lafayette’s letter to her husband, Marquis de Lafayette
This previously unknown letter from Adrienne de Lafayette reveals her unfailing love for her husband.
Record revealed
Request for compensation for the Boston Tea Party
On 16 December 1773, 340 chests of tea were thrown into Boston harbour by protesting colonists. This letter from the East India Company requests reimbursement.
Shop
Browse our specially selected books and gifts that explore this momentous period in British American history.