Know Your Records Program
Free events to keep you in the know, held in Washington, DC, and College Park, Maryland.
Researcher Information
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.
June
Tuesday, June 2, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
History of the National Archives and Records Administration
From the War Department Fire in 1800 to the establishment of the National
Archives in 1934, archivist Constance Potter looks at why some records did
not survive and how other just made it to the National Archives. Her focus
is on records of genealogical interest. (This lecture will be repeated at the
National Archives at College Park, MD, in the auditorium, on Thursday,
June 4, at 11 a.m.).
Tuesday, June 9, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Navigating the Archival Research Catalog (ARC)
Jill Reilly James with the Archival Research Catalog (ARC) team will show researchers
search tips and provide an overview of ARC features. (This lecture will be
repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday,
June 11, at 11 a.m.).
Saturday, June 13, 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? 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 on September 19.
Tuesday, June 23, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
World War II Lost Jewish Assets
Miriam Kleiman, public affairs specialist, will speak about her research at the
National Archives looking into the issue of lost Jewish assets in Swiss banks
during World War II. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, June 25, 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.)
June
Wednesday, June 3, 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, July 1.
Saturday, June 13, 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. The next Saturday presentation will take place on September
19.
July
Wednesday, July 1, 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.
August
Wednesday, August 5, 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, September 2.
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.
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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