National Archives Holds Free Research and Genealogy Programs in May
Press Release · Monday, April 14, 2014

Washington, DC

In May, the National Archives presents research and genealogy programs highlighting records from its holdings. All programs are free and open to the public, and will be held in the National Archives Building Research Center (Room G-25), in Washington, DC, unless otherwise noted. Attendees should use the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station. Please note that two of the programs will be held in Lecture Room C of the National Archives at College Park, Maryland, located at 8601 Adelphi Road. See directions to both locations.

Tuesday, May 6, at 11 a.m.
The Dawn of Freedom: Researching of Records of the Freedmen's Bureau
Freedmen's Bureau records dating from 1865 –1872 constitute the richest and most extensive documentary source available for investigating the African American experience in the post-Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Historians have used these materials to explore government and military policies, local conditions, and interactions between freedpeople, local white populations, and Bureau officials. Retired archivist Reginald Washington will discuss how to access and use these extraordinary records for genealogical research.

Thursday, May 8, at 11 a.m., National Archives at College Park, MD, Lecture Room C
Civil Rights Litigation Case Files from the Department of Justice
Tina Ligon, archivist, discusses recently processed Department of Justice litigation case files that relate to the Civil Rights movement and highlight key events in African American history.

Tuesday, May 13, at 11 a.m.
"The Best War Map Ever Made": Ezra Carman and the Atlas of the Battlefield of Antietam
Jamesina Thatcher will discuss her project on Ezra Carman and the making of the Atlas of the Battlefield of Antietam. This project includes her research based on National Archives’ records from Antietam Battlefield Commission (Record Group 92) and Antietam Studies (Record Group 94).(The lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, Thursday, May 15, at 11 a.m.)

Wednesday, May 14, at 11 a.m.
Introduction to Genealogy at the National Archives
Learn basic genealogical research skills using Federal records at the National Archives.

Saturday, May 17, at 10 a.m.
"Beyond the Basics" Genealogy: Canadian Border Crossings, 1895-1950s
Increase your archival research skills with a genealogy lecture by archivist Claire Kluskens on Canadian border crossings, 1895-1950s.

Saturday, May 17, noon–4 p.m.
"Help! I'm Stuck" Genealogy Consultation
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? An archivist is available to answer your questions. Sign up for a 20-minute appointment at the Microfilm Research desk on Saturday.

Wednesday, May 21, at 11 a.m.
"Beyond the Basics" Genealogy: Land Records
Improve your archival research skills with a genealogy lecture by archives specialist Rebecca Sharp on Land records (all skill levels welcome).

Wednesday, May 28, at 11 a.m.
Genealogy Using Online Resources of the National Archives
Archives specialist Nancy Wing demonstrates how to navigate and use the Archives.gov website for family history research.

The National Archives Building and the National Archives at College Park are fully accessible. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, please email public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 prior to the event. To verify the date and times of the programs, call 202-357-5000, 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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