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National Archives to ban photography
Tourists at the National Archives will no longer be able to document their visit, once a ban on photography inside the building goes into effect. About a million people visit the National Archives each year and though flash photography is already banned inside because of the damage the ultraviolet radiation can cause to the old documents, it's estimated that 50,000 flashbulbs still go off each year (according to USA Today).
The National Archives, located in Washington, DC, houses important documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
The ban on photos will go into effect on February 24. After that date, those who want a souvenir of their visit can obtain a replica of one of the documents from the gift shop, for a fee of course.
Filed under: History, North America, United States, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
William Beem Jan 30th 2010 3:10PM
This is both sad and disgusting news.
Slappy Jan 30th 2010 7:44PM
Oh thank you morons who can't use a camera properly.
I wish we could just take the cameras away from the dumb people who have spoiled it for the rest of us!
nzm Jan 31st 2010 10:36AM
That's a shame - another place where photographers will be treated like dirt.
The real reason for banning flash use is not because of potential damage to documents, it's because the flashes could temporarily blind the security cameras and sensors.
JSM Feb 1st 2010 10:42AM
Interesting article about the National Archives, so why is the picture associated with the article of the Capitol Rotunda? Maybe the ban has already gone into effect.
Travelfusion Feb 2nd 2010 7:50AM
I noticed that too - that's definitely the Capitol Rotunda...one of my most favourite places in the world!
Kathryn
Jason Wilder Evans Feb 25th 2010 3:20PM
I was the last visitor yesterday and have the very last photos inside and of the Nations oldest documents by using the newest form of technology- the OWLE Bubo, an optical widget for the iPhone.