Here we are now in the world-renowned rotunda of the National Archives where the Charters of Freedom live.

We're in the 250th, 250th celebration year, and I think the word's gotten out.

This is part of our American DNA. 100%.

I'm walking into the vaults that

house America's history. One guards the documents that inspired this nation. The other

guards the charters of freedom that protect it. And I'm asking a simple question. What does it take

to preserve the ideas that make a nation possible. In Washington, D.C., the Rotunda at the National Archives holds what we call the charters of freedom,

the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution,

and the Bill of Rights.

We met up with National Archivist Jim Byron, who is helping safeguard the words that shape this nation.

Jim, I have to confess right away that's sort of a geek-out alert here.

Being in National Archives is an early American historian, thank you and your staff

for your great service, especially in this year of America's 250. There are a lot of people

here to see these founding documents. I think the audience knows why they're important, but

sort of high level. Why do you think you're almost overrun with visitors today? We're in the 250th,

250th celebration year, and I think the word's gotten out.

You know, this is the home of the Declaration of Independence.

The whole foundation that our country was built upon is right here.

It's 100 steps that way.

It's pretty amazing to see people come in from not only all over the United States, but

but all over the world, and to appreciate the

impact that the Declaration has had on 250 years later.

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