National Archives reduces hours due to budget cuts

WASHINGTON – The National Archives is reducing its public operating hours due to automatic federal budget cuts taking effect.

In the past, the National Archives offered extended hours between March 15 and Labor Day to accommodate crowds viewing the U.S. Constitution during Washington's tourism season. Exhibits were kept open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Now officials say those extended hours will be eliminated. Exhibits will be open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. year round.

Archives research rooms in Washington and in College Park, Md., also will have reduced hours beginning Friday. They used to offer evening hours three nights a week, staying open until 9 p.m. Now they will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.