Special Programs Highlight National Archives Records in November 2008
Press Release · Friday, October 31, 2008

Washington, DC

In November, the National Archives will feature a series of programs highlighting records from its holdings. All programs are free and open to the public and will be held in the National Archives Building and at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

Visitors to all programs in the National Archives Building Research Center (Room G-24) should use the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. The National Archives at College Park, MD is located at 8601 Adelphi Road. See directions to both locations.

U.S. Army Indian Scouts
Tuesday, November 4, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Trevor Plante will discuss unique records at the National Archives relating to Native Americans who served in the U.S. Army as Indian Scouts from 1866 to 1914. The presentation includes a discussion of records relating to military service as well as pension application files. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, November 6 at 11 a.m.)

Introduction to Genealogy
Wednesday, November 5, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
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 December 3.

“In the King's Service": Hugh Finlay and the Colonial American Postal System
Wednesday, November 12, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Using pre-Federal records in the custody of the National Archives, Alison Gavin will construct the argument that American colonists’ refusal to adapt to the British postal system was an indication of rebellion on the eve of the Revolutionary War. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, November 13 at 11 a.m.)

Introduction to Genealogy
Saturday, November 15, at 10 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Archives staff will present a lecture on basic genealogical research in Federal records on selected Saturdays. The next weekend lecture will take place on Saturday, November 15.

“Help! I'm Stuck”
Saturday, November 15, noon–4 p.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
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 selected 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 offer will be on Saturday, January 24 (break in December).

From the Records Book Group and Program
Tuesday, November 18, at 11 a.m. and noon
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Following a related presentation on this topic, Assistant Archivist Michael Kurtz will moderate the book group discussion of Lost Museum: The Nazi Conspiracy to Steal the World's Greatest Works of Art, by Hector Feliciano. Please check the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) for book availability and a special discount for book group participants. The February 2009 book selection will be A History: The Untold Story of the Wartime Race to Build the Pentagon—and to Restore it Sixty Years Later by Stephen F. Vogel.

Both Archives facilities are fully accessible. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, please e-mail public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 at least two weeks prior to the event. To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call 202-357-5333, or view the Calendar of Events online.

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For Press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (202) 357-5300.

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