NRB Press releases
June 2, 2003New Exhibit at the National Archives in Philadelphia
Features First Pennsylvania Black Congressman, Robert N.C. Nix, Sr.
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The National Archives and Records Administration - Mid Atlantic Region unveils a new permanent exhibit, Discover Your Past, to the public at its museum at the Robert Nix Federal Building (entrance on Chestnut Street, between 9th and 10th). The introductory feature of Discover Your Past is the family genealogy of Robert N.C. Nix, Sr. Mr. Nix was the first African-American from Pennsylvania to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served with distinction for two decades. The Robert Nix Federal Building is named as a memorial to Congressman Nix's service the Philadelphia region and the nation. |
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| The family genealogy of the Nix family was
traced using federal census records housed at the Philadelphia National Archives branch.
The Nix family provided the Archives with photographs to create a family tree beginning
in 1865 with Nelson c. Nix, father of Robert Nix Sr., who was Dean of Arts and Sciences
at Southern Carolina State University, a historic black college. The Nix family
dedicated the exhibit at a private opening. "We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the Nix family and to include their family heritage our new exhibit. This feature allows us to demonstrate that the records here in the Nation Archives - Mid Atlantic office hold the stories of families from all walks of life," says V. Chapman-Smith, Mid Atlantic Regional Administrator. Discover Your Past also allows the public to investigate the history of the Mid Atlantic region (Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia through archival documents, and interactive units. The exhibit units enable visitors to learn more about how to trace their family history using the National Archives and explore how the region contributed to the national experience. Patrons also learn about and express their opinions about key historical events. (The current topic is the Chinese Exclusions Acts.) They can also look behind the scenes of fascinating federal court cases, among them a 1932 trademark infringement case (The Good Humor Corporation of America v. The Popsicle Corporation of the United States, and Joe Lowe Corporation) which determined the shape and contents of Popsicle frozen treats. The exhibit is aimed at a general audience and includes numerous opportunities for patrons to handle facsimile of documents from the Archives. Through these activities visitors have a "hands-on" experience learning about our living democracy, examining the Constitution in action, the role, actions and impact of the Federal Government, and our citizens' engagement with our government and courts. | |
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