March 2009
Washington, DC, Area Events
Program Highlights
- BIG!
Programs in connection with our new exhibit, “BIG! Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Archives.” (March 18, 28) - Women in Political Leadership
A panel discussion on women’s journeys to political leadership (March 5) - Environmental Film Festival
The Washington, DC, premiere of Built for the People: The Story of TVA. (March 17) - Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial
The 12th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium (March 21), a book lecture (March 4), and a film. (March 14) - Know Your Records Programs
A variety of programs explore records held by the National Archives. (March 3, 4, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 31)
Exhibit Highlights
- Permanent Exhibits
The Charters of Freedom, A New World Is at Hand, The Public Vaults, Magna Carta - Special Exhibit
BIG! Opens March 13. - Special Exhibit in College Park, MD
The Long View
Locations, Hours, and Contact Information
All events listed in the calendar are free unless noted; reservations are not required unless noted. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For McGowan Theater programs, the doors to the building will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue.
BIG!
The National Archives Experience is pleased to present programs in connection with our new exhibit, “BIG! Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Archives.” The exhibit features big records, big events, and big ideas.
Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
Big Strides, Diverse Paths: Women’s Journeys to Political Leadership
The influence of women has redefined the nature of politics, but how did
they get there and what are the stories of their political journeys? Join
moderator Eleanor Clift, weekly panelist on The McLaughlin
Group and
author of Madam President, as she moderates a panel of women who
have come from a variety of backgrounds, represent different levels of political
activity, and have played leadership roles in politics. Panelists include
Mazie Hirono, U.S. Congresswoman from Hawaii; Grace
Napolitano, U.S. Congresswoman
from California; Madeleine Kunin, former Governor of Vermont
and author of Pearls,
Politics, and Power; Jennette Bradley, former Lieutenant
Governor of Ohio, and Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Congresswoman from Tennessee.
Presented in partnership with the Center for Women in Politics and Public
Policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston’s
McCormack Graduate School.
This program is generously supported by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Inc.
Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
BIG Ideas, BIG Projects
Built for the People: The Story of TVA (2008) was
produced by Academy Award®-nominated Washington documentary filmmakers
Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine (War/Dance). The film chronicles the
transformation of the vast and magnificent Tennessee Valley—devastated
by flooding, deforestation, poor farming practices, and forest fires—through
the Tennessee Valley Authority, established by Franklin D. Roosevelt and
Congress in 1933. President Roosevelt called the TVA, which helped lift the
region out of the Great Depression, “one of the great social and economic
achievements of the United States. ” With the establishment of the
TVA, the Tennessee River watershed began a resurgence, reducing the risk
of flooding, providing electric power, and promoting agricultural and industrial
development. (86 minutes.) Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine will join us to
discuss the film and answer audience questions.
Washington, DC, premiere in participation with the 2009 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital
Wednesday, March 18, at noon
Jefferson Room
The Great Decision: Jefferson, Adams, Marshall, and the Battle for the Supreme Court
In 1800 the United States teetered on the brink of a second revolution. The
Presidential election between Adams and Jefferson was a bitterly contested
tie, and the Supreme Court had no clear purpose or power. In The Great
Decision, David McKean tells the riveting story of John Marshall and
the landmark court case Marbury v. Madison, through which
he empowered the Supreme Court and transferred the idea of the separation
of powers into a working blueprint for our modern state. A book signing will
follow the program.
Saturday, March 28, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
King Kong
Skull Island natives capture aspiring movie star Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) and
offer her as a sacrifice to their god, King Kong. But Ann’s movie crew
rescues her, captures King Kong, and brings him to New York. This ape of epic
proportions, of course, escapes and terrorizes the city. (1933, 109 minutes)
Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial
Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
National Archives at College Park, MD
The Latest in Lincoln Scholarship
12th Annual Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium
Sessions:
“The Life of Abraham Lincoln: New Findings, Fresh Perspectives”
Michael Burlingame
“Lincoln’s Fox: A Companion in Time of Crisis”
Ari Hoogenboom
“Lincoln at the Turning Point—From Peoria to the Presidency”
Lewis Lehrman
“Lincoln, the North, and Secession”
Russell McClintock
“Becoming Lincoln: Making of an Emancipationist”
James Oakes
Award Presentations
Presentation of the Abraham Lincoln Institute Book Award
and the Nicolay-Hay Award.
Advance registration is required. Register by e-mail, at secretary@lincoln-institute.org; by mail, at Abraham Lincoln Institute, Inc., c/o John R. Sellers, 30333 Portobago Trail, Port Royal, VA 22535; or by phone, at 202-707-1085. Please provide contact information for each registrant, including e-mail and postal addresses and phone number.
The National Archives Experience is pleased to present this film and lecture series in celebration of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
Wednesday, March 4, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
The Great Comeback: How Abraham Lincoln Beat the Odds to Win the 1860 Republican
Nomination
In the fall of 1858, Abraham Lincoln appeared to be anything but destined for
greatness. He was depressed over his loss to Stephen Douglas in the 1858 senatorial
campaign and was taking stock of his life. In The Great Comeback,
Gary Ecelbarger describes the journey of Abraham Lincoln from the last weeks
of 1858 until the end of May in 1860, on the road to his unlikely Republican
Presidential nomination. A book signing will follow the program.
Saturday, March 14, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
The Prisoner of Shark Island
A few short hours after President Lincoln has been assassinated, Dr. Samuel Mudd
gives medical treatment to a wounded man who shows up at his door. Mudd has no
idea that the President is dead and that he is treating his murderer, John Wilkes
Booth. But that doesn’t save him when the Army posse searching for Booth
finds evidence that Booth has been to the doctor's house. Dr. Mudd is arrested
for complicity and sentenced to life imprisonment, to be served in the infamous
Shark Island. (1936, 95 minutes)
Noontime Lecture Series
Wednesday, March 25, at noon
Jefferson Room
Andrew Jackson
On the 180th anniversary of Andrew Jackson's election to the Presidency, Historian
of the United States House of Representatives Robert V. Remini discusses Andrew
Jackson, his book focusing on Jackson’s military career and how his
bold leadership as a general led to his election as President of the United States
in 1828. A book signing will follow the program.
Know Your Records Programs: March
Tuesday, March 3, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Tips & Strategies on the Updated Archival Research Catalog (ARC)
Jill James will show researchers how to find records in the National Archives’ updated
online Archival Research Catalog (ARC). (This lecture will be repeated at
the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday,
March 5, at 11 a.m.).
Wednesday, March 4, at 11 a.m.
Saturday, March 21, at 10 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Introduction to Genealogy
Archives staff will present a lecture on basic genealogical research in Federal
records. This lecture occurs on select Saturdays and the first Wednesday
of the month. (Next month’s lectures will take place on Wednesday,
April 1, and during the Annual Genealogy Fair on April 22 & 23.)
Tuesday, March 10, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Civil War Pension Files at Footnote.com
Laura Prescott from Footnote.com will discuss the Civil War pension files
recently scanned and published online through the partnership between the
National Archives, Family Search, and Footnote.com. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B
on Thursday, March 12, at 11 a.m.)
Tuesday, March 17, at 11 a.m. and noon
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
From the Records Book Group and Lecture
Following a related presentation at 11 a.m., the From the Records Book
Group will discuss The Harp and the Eagle: Irish-American Volunteers
and the Union Army, 1861–1865, by Susannah Bruce. Please check
the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) for book availability and a special discount
for book group participants. The May book selection will be Railroads
in the Civil War: The Impact of Management on Victory and Defeat by
John Elwood Clark.
Thursday, March 19, at 11 a.m.
National Archives at College Park, MD, Lecture Room B
Exodus to Kansas: The 1880 Senate Investigation of the Beginnings of the
African American Migration from the South
Damani Davis examines Federal records relating to the “Kansas Exodus” (the
Exoduster movement), which was the first instance of voluntary, mass migration
among African Americans and resulted in a major Senate investigation. (This
lecture will be repeated at the National Archives Building, Washington, DC,
in Room G-24, Research Center, on Tuesday, March 24, at 11 a.m.).
Saturday, March 21, noon–4 p.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
“Help! I'm Stuck”
Not sure where to begin your research? Is there a genealogical or historical
problem that has stumped you? On select Saturdays, an archivist will be available
from noon to 4 p.m. to answer questions. Look for the sign at the Research
Center desk reading, “Help! I'm Stuck.” The next opportunity
will be at the Annual Genealogy Fair on April 22 & 23.)
Wednesday, March 25, 10:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Effective Internet Searching
Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens will lead a workshop on how to use the Internet
and genealogy software to increase research capabilities. Reservations are
required, and a fee of $20 is payable by cash or check (payable to NATF)
at the door. E-mail KYR@nara.gov or call 202-357-5333.
Thursday, March 26, 10:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
U.S. Sources for Beginning Irish Research
Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens will teach research strategies using original sources
to track the origin of Irish immigrants. Sources include passenger lists,
immigration records, military records, census records, city directories,
and more. Reservations are required, and a fee of $20 is payable by cash
or check (payable to NATF) at the door. E-mail KYR@nara.gov or call
202-357-5333.
Tuesday, March 31, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Privacy Act
Ramona Branch Oliver will discuss provisions of the Privacy Act and how the
statutes affect public access to both archival and operational records at the
National Archives. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, April 2, at 11 a.m.).
Boeing Learning Center
An exciting space designed to provide parents and educators of all levels with methods and materials for teaching with primary source documents. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Exhibits
Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom:The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are on permanent display in the Rotunda. "A New World Is at Hand" surrounds the Rotunda's centerpiece cases. Presenting a selection of milestone documents, the exhibit chronicles the creation of the Charters of Freedom in the 18th century and their impact on the course of history in the United States and around the world.
The Public Vaults: This interactive exhibit invites visitors into the stacks and vaults of the National Archives to explore the raw material from which history is made. From Washington's letters, Lincoln's telegrams, and FDR's fireside chats to UFO reports and declassified secrets of World War II, these documents chronicle both great national events and the lives of individual Americans.
Magna Carta: This foundation document of English common law was confirmed by Edward I in 1297. Only four originals of the 1297 Magna Carta remain, and only one permanently resides in the United States. Purchased by David M. Rubenstein in 2007, it is on loan to the National Archives. West Rotunda Gallery.
Special Exhibit in Washington, DC
Exhibit Opening, March 13
BIG!
To celebrate a big anniversary—our 75th—the National Archives presents
an exhibit featuring big records, big events, and big ideas. See the nation’s
original records in their full-scale glory, including the 13-foot scroll of
the Articles of Confederation (never before displayed unrolled) and a 13-by-13-foot
map of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Also featured are a gigantic footprint of
a dinosaur and the size 22 sneakers of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal.
Embodying America's biggest idea, the first printing of the Declaration of
Independence produced on the night of July 4–5, 1776—one of the
greatest treasures in our holdings—is a special highlight of the exhibit.
Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery through January 3, 2010
Special Exhibit in College Park, Maryland
Auditorium Lobby at the National Archives Research Center:
"The Long View" features digitally produced facsimiles of historic panoramic photographs from the Still Picture holdings.
The exhibit not only showcases the wide variety of panoramic techniques, but also includes National Archives records such as cartographic maps and patent drawings that relate to the photographs. Thirty-four panoramas and other records are on display and span the period from 1864 to 1997.
See more panoramas online.
Traveling Exhibits
The traveling exhibit program makes it possible for people across the country to experience selected historical documents and artifacts that reflect our national experience.
Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives
Drawing on rarely displayed documents, audio recordings, and film footage culled
from the extensive holdings of the National Archives and its Presidential libraries,
"Eyewitness" features first-person accounts of watershed moments in
history.
Online exhibit
Forgotten Gateway: Coming to America Through Galveston Island
February 21–October 11, 2009
The Immigration Act of 1924 and other original National Archives documents are on display at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in the exhibition Forgotten Gateway: Coming to America Through Galveston Island.
Online Exhibits
Dozens of exhibits can be experienced online. Visit Now!
Locations, Hours, and Contact Information
The National Archives Experience
Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC
For details, see the Visitor's Map or visit the National Archives Experience.
- Daily, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Spring hours of 10 a.m.–7 p.m. begin March 15.
- Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.
Open every day except Thanksgiving and December 25.
Admission free.
All events listed in the calendar are free unless noted; reservations are not required unless noted. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For McGowan Theater programs, the doors to the building will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue.
For details, see the Visitor's Map or visit the National Archives Experience.
For reservations or to be placed on the mailing list, call 202-357-5000 or e-mail public.program@nara.gov.
The National Archives Research Center
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC and 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD.
Research Hours for both locations:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Check the Washington, DC and College Park, MD location information for records pull times and other important details.
Call 202-357-5450 for a docent-led guided tour.
TDD: 301-837-0482. The National Archives is fully accessible. To request an accommodation (such as a sign language interpreter) for a public program, please call 202-357-5000 or e-mail public.program@nara.gov at least two weeks prior to the event.