Since its opening in 1835, The National Theatre has played an important role in national and regional performing arts history. The National Theatre Archive works to collect, preserve, and provide access to historical materials which document The National Theatre’s history and impact.
About
The National Theatre Archive (NTA) was established in 1976 to collect, preserve, and provide access to materials which document The National Theatre’s history and impact. The National Theatre Archive’s holdings include documents, photographs, ephemera, audiovisual recordings, and memorabilia. These materials both document the history of The National Theatre and offer a unique perspective of nearly 200 years of American performing arts trends. NTA is operated by The National Theatre Foundation, the 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation responsible for the continued operation and preservation of The National Theatre.
Visit our Collection Information page to browse collection contents.
Visit our Policies page for information on how to submit a reference or collection research request.
For donation communications or general inquiries, email us at information@nationaltheatre.org or give us a call at 202-783-3370.
NTA in the News!
October 3, 2022 The Washington Post: The National Theatre marvels at some 200-year-old theater gossip by John Kelly
August 9, 2022 The Washington Post: Dancing through the archives of D.C.’s oldest theater, the National by John Kelly
July 21, 1989 The Washington Post: Unbooked and Bookish by Joe Brown