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
For the America 250 tour the Boeing 737 sports a special commemorative livery, transforming it into a flying tribute to the nation’ s founding era— and a modern symbol of how history can travel in unexpected ways.(© Ben Applebaum photo)
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.
The Boeing jet-propelled research hydroplane, known as the Hydrodynamic Test System( HTS) and nicknamed the“ Aqua-Jet,” was placed in operation on Lake Washington in 1961. Designed to test high-speed foils and hydrodynamic performance, the 38-foot experimental craft reflects Boeing’ s early spirit of innovation in the
Pacific Northwest and its long connection to Seattle summer traditions.(© Boeing)
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