October 2009
Washington, DC, Area Events
The Rotunda and the National Archives Experience in Washington, DC, will open to the public at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 15 and remain open until 5:30 p.m. Winter hours of 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. resume on Wednesday, December 16.
Program Highlights
Still from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
- 75th Anniversary of the National Archives
Join us for lecture and film programs celebrating the establishment of the National Archives in 1934. (October 7, 22, 23) - Washington Unveiled
Authors recent books detailing their experiences in Washington, DC, and a special screening of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. (October 7, 15, 16) - Noontime Lecture
Clifton Truman Daniel gives us a peek at some not-yet-released letters written by First Lady Bess Truman. (October 14) - BIG!
Programs in connection with our exhibit, “BIG! Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Archives.” (September 17, 28) - Know Your Records Programs
A variety of programs explore records held by the National Archives. (October 1, 6, 7, 13, 20, 24, 27)
Exhibit Highlights
- Permanent Exhibits
The Charters of Freedom, A New World Is at Hand, The Public Vaults, Magna Carta - Special Exhibit
BIG! - 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.
75th Anniversary of the National Archives
Congress established the National Archives in 1934. This year marks its 75th anniversary. Join us as we present programs and films celebrating this important milestone.
Wednesday, October 7, at noon
Jefferson Room
Fruits of Victory: The Woman’s Land Army of America in the Great War
In Fruits of Victory, Elaine Weiss discusses the little-known story of the “farmerettes” who joined America’s land army when men were called to wartime service. Thousands of women were enlisted to run American farms on the rural home front during WWI to feed a nation at war. A book signing will follow.
Civil Rights marcher [306-SSM-4C(61)13]
Thursday, October 22, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
75th Anniversary Noontime Film Series
Featuring films from the holdings of the National Archives
From the Vaults: The Struggle for Civil Rights
This month’s installment presents a selection of short films from the holdings of the National Archives including The March, which documents the 1963 March on Washington, and Japanese-Americans, a 1945 film on the contributions of Nisei troops during WWII. (70 minutes.)
Friday, October 23, at noon
Jefferson Room
75th Anniversary National Archives Expert Series
Featuring staff experts who focus on archival treasures discovered among the holdings of the National Archives
Stacey Bredhoff, museum curator at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, discusses President Kennedy’s inaugural address.
Washington Unveiled
Taylor Branch
Photo credit: J. Brough Schamp
Wednesday, October 7, at 7 P.M.
William G. McGowan Theater
The Clinton Tapes
Over seven years while in office, President Bill Clinton described what it’s like to be President to a Pulitzer-Prize winning historian. Author Taylor Branch discusses his book, The Clinton Tapes: Wrestling History in the White House, his account of the dialogues. Immediately after each of the seventy-nine sessions, Branch recorded his reactions to their conversations, as well as Clinton’s demeanor, moods, and daily life in the West Wing. A book signing will follow the program.
Image courtesy of AMPAS/ Robert Osborne
Thursday, October 15, at 7 P.M.
William G. McGowan Theater
70th Anniversary Screening of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, in partnership with the Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film, presents Frank Capra’s classic film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, which premiered on October 17, 1939 at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. Starring James Stewart, the film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards®, and won Best Screenplay. Special guest Robert Osborne, film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies (TCM), introduces this pristine 35mm print (courtesy of AMPAS). (129 minutes.)
Helen Thomas
Friday, October 16 at 7 P.M.
William G. McGowan Theater
Listen Up, Mr. President: Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do
Helen Thomas has covered the administrations of nine presidents in a career spanning nearly sixty years. She is known for her famous press conference closing line: “Thank you, Mr. President,” but in Listen Up, Mr. President, Helen trades deference for directness. Join Helen Thomas and coauthor Craig Crawford in an engaging look at what it takes to be a good president. A book signing will follow.
Noontime Lecture
Wednesday, October 14, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
The Truman Letters by Clifton Truman Daniel
President Harry S. Truman was a prolific letter writer, but it was believed First Lady Bess Truman destroyed all the personal letters she sent to him. Grandson Clifton Truman Daniel gives us a peek at some not-yet-released letters discovered after his mother— the Trumans’ only child—passed away. He discusses some of these letters and his article in the Fall 2009 issue of Prologue magazine. Daniel will sign issues of Prologue after the program.
BIG!
The National Archives Experience continues to present noontime lecture and film series in celebration of our new exhibit, “BIG! Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Archives.” The exhibit features big records, big events, and big ideas and runs through January 3, 2010, in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery.
Saturday, October 17, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
Big
Tom Hanks plays Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who has been transformed into a 35-year-old man by a wishing machine at a carnival. Directed by Penny Marshall. (1988, 104 minutes.)
Wednesday, October 28, at noon
Jefferson Room
Conquering the Sky: The Secret Flights of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk
Following their first powered flights in 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright enjoyed anonymity until 1908. In Conquering the Sky, Larry Tise describes how the Wright brothers were catapulted into unwanted fame by the international press as they tried to prove the capabilities of their flying machines and obtain lucrative government contracts. Tise also discusses the repercussions of the flights in war and military technology. A book signing will follow.
Know Your Records Programs: October
Tuesday, October 1, at 11 A.M.
Lecture Room B, National Archives at College Park, MD
Using Footnote.com for Jewish Research
Laura Prescott, content editor at Footnote.com, explores recently scanned and published Jewish records made available by the National Archives partnership with Footnote. Learn how to effectively use the site and discover fascinating records. (This lecture is a repeat of the September 29 program.)
Tuesday, October 6, at 11 A.M.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Documenting Death in the Civil War
John Deeben, genealogy archives specialist at the National Archives, explores death records created during and after the Civil War by the War Department, examining how they documented personal circumstances of soldiers’ deaths in various situations, including the battlefield and military hospitals and prisons. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, October 8, at 11 a.m.)
Wednesday, October 7, at 11 A.M.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Introduction to Genealogy
Archives staff present a lecture on basic genealogical research in Federal records. This lecture occurs the first Wednesday of the month: the next one is Wednesday, November 4.
Tuesday, October 13, at 11 A.M.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
World War II Enemy Aliens Program
Lynn Goodsell, archivist at the National Archives, discusses WWII enemy alien control programs and related records focusing on programs affecting individuals of German, Italian, and Japanese ancestry living in the United States and Latin America. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room D, on Thursday, October 15, at 11 a.m.)
Tuesday, October 20, at 11 A.M. and noon
Lecture Room D, National Archives at College Park, MD
From the Records Book Group and Lecture
Following a related lecture at 11 a.m., From the Records Book Group discusses Secret Empire: Eisenhower, the CIA, and the Hidden Story of America’s Space Espionage by Philip Taubman. Please check the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) for book availability and a special discount for book group participants. November’s book is The Whiskey Merchant’s Diary: An Urban Life in the Emerging Midwest by Joseph J. Mersman.
Saturday, October 24, at 10 A.M.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Introduction to Genealogy
Archives staff present a lecture on basic genealogical research in Federal records. This lecture occurs on select Saturdays each month: the next one is Saturday, November 21.
Saturday, October 24, noon–4 P.M.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
“Help! I’m Stuck”
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem 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 “Help! I’m Stuck” sign at the Research Center desk. This offer occurs on select Saturdays each month: the next one is Saturday, November 21.
Tuesday, October 27, at 11 A.M.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Civil War Medicine
Archives specialist Rebecca Sharp and reference librarian Nancy Wing discuss The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion, 1861–1865. This published source contains details of Civil War medical and surgical procedures, and information about individual patients. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, October 29, 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
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.
Motorcycle Corps, Army Motor Service - Under Command of J. S. Berryman. US Capitol. Wash., DC. Jan. 26, 1919, By R. S. Clements. Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs (165-PP-60-47)
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 ArchivesDrawing 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. through March 4.
- 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 toll free at 1-877-874-7616, 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 toll free at 1-877-874-7616, or e-mail public.program@nara.gov at least two weeks prior to the event.
PDF files require the free Adobe Reader.
More information on Adobe Acrobat PDF files is available on our Accessibility page.
