The Freedom Plane is continuing an eight-city national tour that will cover 12,960 miles across the United States through August and will carry nine original Founding-era documents as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary commemoration.
In partnership with the National Archives and National Archives Foundation, Boeing is supporting the National Archives Freedom Plane National Tour with a Boeing 737 in Freedom Plane livery.
Zoom in: On March 23, the Freedom Plane completed the second leg of its tour when it landed in Atlanta. From March 27 to April 12, the documents will be on display at the Atlanta History Centre, which houses one of the largest collections of Civil War artefacts in the United States.
Why it matters: The tour brings nine original documents to communities nationwide, making foundational history accessible to Americans, marking the first time in history the artefacts have travelled together from the National Archives Museum.
Driving the news: A celebratory ceremony marked the plane’s arrival in Atlanta. Representatives from Boeing, the National Archives, the National Archives Foundation, the Georgia National Guard, local officials, and media attended the event. Distinguished guests included Marci Collier Overstreet from the Atlanta City Council, Sheffield Hale, President and CEO of the Atlanta History Museum and Anne-Laure Desjonquères, Consul General of France in Atlanta.
What they’re saying: Onboard and behind the scenes of the entire Freedom Plane tour, Boeing pilots, flight crew, and operational support employees ensure the tour operates efficiently and safely until its last flight in August.
“It’s an honour to be trusted with safeguarding these documents,” said Mary Beaudry, Lead Flight Attendant with Boeing Executive Flight Operations. “Safety and security are part of my everyday responsibilities and a primary task in my role. As we support important missions such as the Freedom Plane, I’m grateful to have been a part of transporting these precious documents.”
Carl Brown, Maintenance Control Specialist with Boeing Executive Flight Operations, shared, “My teammates and I strive to maintain our aircraft to a level that is second to none. I feel a great sense of honour and pride that the National Archives trust us with such a significant responsibility.”
The big picture: From coast to coast, the Freedom Plane will bring nine original Founding-era documents to communities, giving viewers a physical connection to the past while helping unite, educate and inspire current and future generations.
Go deeper: Visit the Freedom Plane website for more information.
Click here for more information about tickets at the Atlanta History Center in Atlanta. The National Archives travelling exhibition is open March 27-April 12 at the Atlanta History Center. Note, expect possible wait times and limited ticket availability at the History Center.
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