Know Your Records Program
Free events to keep you in the know, held in Washington, DC, and College Park, Maryland.
What's New
National Archives Creates Awards for Excellence in Genealogy
- View our updated Tutorial
, "Beginning Your Genealogical Research at the National Archives and Records Administration",
a Powerpoint presentation - See our recent issue of Researcher News for Washington DC area researchers
Join the Researcher News Mailing List at kyr@nara.gov
See our new brochure (PDF), Finding Information on Personal Participation in World War II
Contact Know Your Records program
Are you looking for a way to present research work done at the National Archives?
The Know Your Records program staff would like to hear from you. Through this program, lecturers present programs designed to educate researchers, staff, and volunteers about the various holdings found within the National Archives. You can submit your ideas for a presentation at KYR@nara.gov.
Lectures and Films
Lectures are held at the National Archives Building, Washington, DC, in Room G-24 (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue side of the building). Events are free unless otherwise noted.
May
Tuesday, May 5, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Native American Records at Footnote.com
A growing collection of National Archives records relating to Native Americans
is available at Footnote.com. These include Dawes Commission records, treaties, and census rolls. We will review the available records, how to search
the site for best results, and how this online resource can make Native American
research easier and more effective. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, May 7, at
11 a.m.)
Tuesday, May 12, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
“Discovering the Civil War” Exhibit
Senior Curator Bruce Bustard will discuss the National Archives’ upcoming “Discovering
the Civil War” exhibit (opening in April 2010) and share some of his
favorite discoveries from the exhibit team's research. (This lecture will be
repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday,
May 14, at 11 a.m.).
Saturday, May 16, 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? Would you like to explore new directions in your
research? 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 weekend opportunity will be on Saturday, June 13.
Tuesday, May 26, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
History of Filipinos in the DC Area Before 1965
Rita Cacas, archives specialist, will discuss her research for a forthcoming
book on Filipinos in the Washington, DC, area. Upon annexation of the Philippines
to the United States in 1898, Filipinos arrived in the U.S. as foreign nationals.
While a large number of Filipinos settled in the west coast, many settled in
the Washington, DC, area in the first half of the 20th century. The talk will
include records and images from the National Archives. (This lecture will be
repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday,
May 28 at 11 A.M.).
For DC location details see our Visitor's Map.
Genealogy Programs
Introducing NEW genealogy programs one Wednesday and one Saturday a month held at the National Archives Building; Room G-24, Research Center unless otherwise noted (enter on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the building.)
Fifth Annual Genealogy Fair poster
Fifth Annual Genealogy Fair
Wednesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 23, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Pennsylvania Avenue Plaza and Research Center
The National Archives will host its fifth annual Genealogy Fair over two
days. The fair showcases Federal records located at the National Archives
and professional genealogy organizations’ resources for doing research
on family history. The fair will provide information and guidance for experienced
genealogy professionals and beginners.
Sessions will be divided into three categories: Getting Started, Online Records and Databases, and Other Selected Topics. Visit the Genealogy Fair web page for more information.
May
Wednesday, May 6, at 11 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 the first Wednesday of the month. The
next lecture will take place on Wednesday, June 3.
Saturday, May 16, 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 on select Saturdays. The next weekend lecture will take
place on Saturday, June 13.
Saturday, May 30, 10:15 a.m.–2 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater (Enter on Constitution Avenue at the Special Events entrance)
An Introduction to Genealogy: An African American Perspective
Deborah Daniels, American Legacy magazine, and Reginald
Washington, staff archivist, will present a workshop on basic genealogical
research and techniques. They will discuss the use of oral history, pedigree
charts, family group sheets, and other resources including Federal, state, and
local records available for African American family research. Reservations are
required, and a fee of $20 is payable by cash or check at the door. Call 202-357-5333.
All Genealogy Workshops Nationwide
From the Records Book Group
Washington, DC…The National Archives will hold six book group discussions in 2009. All programs are free and open to the public, and most will be held at noon in the National Archives Building Research Center, Room G-24. Please check the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) for book availability and a special discount for book group participants.
Tuesday, May 19, 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 Railroads in the Civil War: The Impact of Management on Victory
and Defeat by John Elwood Clark. Please check the Archives Shop (202-357-5271)
for book availability and a special discount for book group participants. The
September book selection will be The General and the Jaguar: Pershing’s
Hunt for Pancho Villa: A True Story of Revolution and Revenge by Eileen
Welsome.
September 15, 2009
The General & the Jaguar: Pershing's Hunt for Pancho Villa
- A True Story of Revolution and Revenge by Ellen Welsome
October 20, 2009 (College Park, MD location)
Secret Empire: Eisenhower, the CIA, and the Hidden Story of the
American's Space Espionage by Philip Taubman
November 17, 2009
The Whiskey Merchant's Diary: An Urban Life in the Emerging Midwest by
Joseph J. Mersman, Edited by Linda A. Fisher
For DC location details see our Visitor's Map.
Lectures
Tuesdays: Room G-24, Research Center
National Archives Building
Washington, DC
Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue
Thursdays: Lecture Room B (NOTE: January and February 2009 programs in auditorium)
National Archives at College Park, Maryland
Genealogy Programs
Room G-24, Research Center
National Archives Building
Washington, DC
Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue
Book Group
Third Tuesday of February, March, May, September, October
(College Park, MD), and November
Room G-24, Research Center
National Archives Building
Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue
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