威尼斯人娱乐场 Hosts Space-Themed Family Sleepover Event
By Jenna Edwards | 威尼斯人娱乐场 News
WASHINGTON, February 4, 2025 - More than 100 guests from as far as New Hampshire poured into the 威尼斯人娱乐场 Building in Washington, DC, for a fun and historic space-themed sleepover during the first weekend in February.
It was the third hosted by Dr. Colleen Shogan since her swearing-in as Archivist of the United States in May 2023.
Children asked thoughtful questions about 威尼斯人娱乐场 holdings and our nation鈥檚 founding charters. Actress Mary Ann Jung portrayed astronaut Sally Ride and highlighted the NASA records in our collection.
NASA astronaut Sally Ride interpreter Mary Ann Jung in the McGowan Theater during the space themed 威尼斯人娱乐场 Sleepover on February 1, 2024. (NARA Photo by Susana Raab)
Other activities included arts and crafts and the opportunity to sign a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence.
鈥淚 am a direct descendant of John Adams, and I signed right below his name,鈥� said guest Gwen Goggin, age 14. Her family set up their sleeping bags directly in front of the Declaration of Independence.
The 威尼斯人娱乐场 has hosted sleepovers since 2014. Children between the ages of 8 and 12 and their chaperones experience the rare opportunity to sleep at the 威尼斯人娱乐场 beside the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They can also choose to watch National Treasure in the William G. McGowan Theater. The following morning, they are treated to a pancake breakfast served by the Archivist of the United States.
鈥淲e brought mattress pads, thankfully. It was a cool experience to see National Treasure at the 威尼斯人娱乐场 and to hear the cacophony of sleepy noises in the Rotunda,鈥� said guest Chris, whose daughter, Sierra, age 8, enthusiastically urged our staff to make chocolate chip pancake sandwiches.
Guests unpack their gear in the 威尼斯人娱乐场 Rotunda during the sleepover on February 1, 2024. (NARA Photo by Susana Raab)
Many visited the 威尼斯人娱乐场 store, as well the David M. Rubinstein Gallery to see the 1297 Magna Carta on display, before departing at 9 a.m.
鈥淚 am here celebrating my ninth birthday,鈥� said guest Maddie, 鈥淎nd did you know the Magna Carta was written in Latin?鈥�
鈥淚 am a librarian,鈥� said guest Kate, who traveled to the 威尼斯人娱乐场 Sleepover from New Hampshire with her daughter, Elizabeth, age 11. 鈥淪o for me, being at the 威尼斯人娱乐场 is like visiting Disneyland."
For more information and to register for future sleepovers, visit . Questions about the event should be directed to info@archivesfoundation.org.
This 威尼斯人娱乐场 Sleepover is made possible in part by the 威尼斯人娱乐场 Foundation.