Freedom Plane brings founding-era documents to MOHAI during Seafair season.
By The Boeing Company
This summer, Seattle will welcome a remarkable blend of aviation, history and community celebration as the Renton-built 737 National Archives Freedom Plane makes its final National Tour stop at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI).
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, and timed during Seattle’s annual Seafair festival, the exhibit will give visitors a rare opportunity to see nine of the nation’s most important founding-era documents up close. From July 30 through Aug. 16, the documents will be on display free and open to the public at MOHAI, offering a once-in-a-generation chance to connect with the nation’s origin story in the heart of Seattle.
A Boeing 737 Carrying History
At the center of the tour is a specially outfitted, Renton-built Boeing 737 in commemorative livery known as the National Archives Freedom Plane. In partnership with the National Archives Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the National Archives, Boeing is supporting the tour by providing the airplane, the flight crew, and operational support to carry the documents to eight U.S. cities.
“The Freedom Plane tour is a powerful reminder that the stories of flight and the stories of our country are linked — by curiosity, sacrifice and the work of countless people throughout our nation’s history,” said Bill McSherry, Boeing vice president of State Advocacy & Global Engagement. “Boeing is proud to play a role in marking America’s 250th anniversary and in bringing this experience to Seattle.”
Inspired by the Freedom Train that carried historic documents across the country during the Bicentennial, the Freedom Plane National Tour brings original founding-era records from the National Archives to select cultural institutions nationwide. Seattle is the final stop on the journey, a fitting destination for an aircraft that connects America’s past with its present.
A Natural Home at MOHAI
The exhibit’s arrival carries special meaning for MOHAI as well. Boeing’s relationship with the museum dates back to 1945 when the company awarded MOHAI a $50,000 grant that helped establish a long-standing partnership. Over the years, that relationship has included the display of Boeing artifacts, including the B-1 Sea Plane, Boeing’s first commercial aircraft.
“These documents help tell the story of where our country began, and it’s exciting to be able to share them with people right here in Seattle,” said MOHAI Executive Director Leonard Garfield. “For families, students and lifelong learners alike, this is a chance to experience history up close and make a personal connection with the ideas and events that shaped the nation.”
The Founding Documents on View
- Original Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, 1823
- Articles of Association, 1774
- George Washington’s Oath of Allegiance, 1778
- Alexander Hamilton’s Oath of Allegiance, 1778
- Aaron Burr’s Oaths of Allegiance, 1778
- Treaty of Paris, 1783
- Secret Printing of the Constitution in Draft Form, 1787
- Tally of Votes Approving the Constitution, 1787
- Senate Markup of the Bill of Rights, 1789
Together, these records trace the arc of America’s founding — from early acts of resistance to independence, the drafting of the Constitution, and the protections that helped define the rights of citizens. For visitors, the exhibit offers a rare opportunity to view treasured documents and reflect on the principles that continue to shape the country today.
Seattle Roots, Summer Traditions
Boeing’s connection to the Freedom Plane also reflects the company’s deep roots in the region and longstanding commitment to the community. Founded in Seattle 110 years ago, Boeing has been part of the Pacific Northwest’s story, helping shape the region’s identity through innovation, manufacturing and global aviation leadership.
Boeing’s ties to Seattle’s summer traditions also extend to the water. The company’s jet-propelled research hydroplane, the Hydrodynamic Test System (HTS), nicknamed the “Aqua-Jet,” went into operation on Lake Washington in 1961. Designed to test high-speed foils and hydrodynamic performance, the experimental craft reflects Boeing’s early spirit of innovation and offers a quiet nod to Seafair’s iconic hydroplane races.
The Freedom Plane itself is a Renton-built Boeing 737, a model that has played an enduring role in aviation history for more than 60 years and has carried over 30 billion passengers worldwide.
During Seafair weekend, the Freedom Plane will take to the skies as part of the Boeing Seafair Air Show, extending its presence beyond the museum and into one of Seattle’s most iconic summer traditions. The pairing of the aircraft’s historic mission with Seafair’s energy and community spirit makes the moment especially meaningful for the region.
A Chance to Experience History Up Close
As Seattle prepares for another summer of Seafair celebrations, the Freedom Plane arrival reminds us of both Boeing’s and the Pacific Northwest’s singular connection to our nation’s history.
For Boeing, the message is simple: history matters, community matters and the stories that connect generations deserve to be shared.
