Washington, DC . . . In January, the National Archives and Records Administration presents film screenings of Frank Capra's classic, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and two civil rights documentaries.
The screenings will be held in the theater of the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, and in the auditorium the National Archives at College Park, which is located at 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD. All programs are free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the National Archives at College Park. The times and dates may be verified by calling the National Archives public events line at (201) 501-5000. The hearing impaired should call TDD (202) 501-5404 for information.
PLEASE NOTE: The theater at the downtown National Archives Building is equipped with a system that allows the hearing-impaired to use a set of headphones, or neck loop and a small receiver, to enhance the volume of the public address system. Visitors may request these devices in the projection booth.
Washington, DC Events
Friday, January 14-African American History/Civil Rights
The Strange Demise of Jim Crow, released in 1998. Not all the civil rights victories of the 1960s were won in front of national television cameras through violent clashes and mass demonstrations. This new documentary explores how many victories in the fight for desegregation and civil rights were won through behind-the-scenes negotiations, quiet discussion, and secret deals. The film's focus is the city of Houston, TX, where covert meetings and a carefully orchestrated news blackout facilitated a peaceful, successful desegregation of stores, lunch counters, and movie theaters. Directed by David Berman. (56 minutes.) Noon. Theater.
Friday, January 21-Treasures of Congress
The Congress, released in 1989. In conjunction with the opening of the new Rotunda exhibition, "Treasures of Congress," NARA presents this award-winning documentary from Ken Burns. The film is a historical portrait of over 200 years of the vision and promise of representational government, the story of the Congress and the Capital. (90 minutes.) Noon. Theater.
Friday, January 21-Treasures of Congress
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, released in 1939. In conjunction with the opening of the new Rotunda exhibition, "Treasures of Congress," NARA presents director Frank Capra's classic tale of one idealistic man's fight against corruption and injustice. James Stewart gives an unforgettable performance as Jefferson Smith, a junior senator whose honesty and patriotism are first taken advantage of by unscrupulous politicians and businessmen. His eventual triumph is set against remarkably realistic depictions of the Senate chambers and proceedings. Also stars Jean Arthur, Thomas Mitchell, and Harry Carey. NARA presents a 35mm print of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington courtesy of the Library of Congress. (129 minutes.) 7 P.M. Theater.
Friday, January 28-African American History/Civil Rights
Oh Freedom After While, released in 1999, documents a 1939 protest by Missouri sharecroppers, both black and white, in response to evictions by planters out to pocket New Deal Depression farm subsidies for themselves. As a result of the protest, the sharecroppers established a cooperative farming community called Cropperville, and the Farm Security Administration (FSA) was pressured to create 10 other such communities in Missouri. Directed by Steven J. Ross. (56 minutes.) Noon. Theater.
College Park, MD Films (For descriptions of College Park films, see prior listings)
Monday, January 10-Film
The Strange Demise of Jim Crow (56 minutes.) Noon.
Monday, January 24-Film
Oh Freedom After While (56 minutes.) Noon.
For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.
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