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Freedom Plane touches down in Seattle for final tour stop

“Archive One” completed the final leg of its eight-city tour after safely landing at Boeing Field.

July 29, 2026 in Community

With a 777X soaring in the background, the Freedom Plane makes its final stop at Boeing Field in Seattle. (TPN photo)

The National Archives Freedom Plane arrived in “hometown” Seattle on July 27, bringing nine original founding-era documents to the Puget Sound for the final stop on its historic tour celebrating America’s 250th. 

The plane, callsign RKIV1 (Archive One), was welcomed by hundreds of Boeing teammates, partners and elected officials. Special guests “Blitz” and the “Blue Thunder Band” from the Seattle Seahawks, and the Mariner’s own “Mariner Moose” helped kick off the celebration at Boeing Field.

  • The documents will be on display July 30-August 16 at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).

Homecoming and heritage: Seattle marks where Boeing began 110 years ago and where thousands of skilled workers design and build aircraft that connect families, aid humanitarian efforts and sustain global commerce. The Freedom Plane, a 737, was assembled just down the road at Boeing’s Renton facility,; marking a fitting finale to its tour.

"From Bill Boeing’s early seaplane work to the steady cadence of aircraft that roll out of our factories today, the Puget Sound has been a center of aviation for more than a century,” said Bill McSherry, vice president of state advocacy and global engagement. “It’s powerful to see these two stories come together right here: the story of our nation, and the story of flight.”

Why it matters: The Freedom Plane National Tour has made America’s founding history tangible for millions of Americans, bringing nine original founding era documents to museums across the country. Many of the documents have never left the National Archives, and the tour marks the first time they’ve left our nation’s capital together. 

Go deeper: Visit the Freedom Plane website for details and check ticket availability at MOHAI. Expect possible wait times and limited ticket availability.

  • For Puget Sound teammates, you can support MOHAI’s display of these historic documents by volunteering.

What's next: While the Freedom Plane tour has officially come to an end, the Freedom Plane will make multiple appearances at events throughout the summer, including a historic flyover at this year’s Seafair.

By Weston Ball, Wen Huber and Maddie Crisalli