2014 Press Releases

EXCLUSIVE: Press Opportunity to Photograph and Videotape Original Civil Rights Act of 1964
Media Alert · Thursday, June 12, 2014

Washington, DC

Civil Rights Act 50th Anniversary is July 2, 2014

WHAT:

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the National Archives will host an informal press-only opportunity to photograph or videotape several pages of the original Civil Rights Act of 1964 before it is put on display in the National Archives’ new permanent exhibition "Records of Rights" in the David M. Rubenstein Gallery. RSVPs are requested; please email public.affairs@nara.gov.

The first and signature pages of the Civil Rights Act will be on public display at the National Archives from June 18 through September 16, 2014. Note: the original signature page will be on display through July 13 and will then be replaced with a facsimile.

The Civil Rights Act, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on July 2, 1964, prohibited discrimination in public places, provided for the integration of schools and other public facilities, and made employment discrimination illegal. This document was the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction.

WHEN:

Tuesday, June 17, 2014, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

WHERE:

National Archives Conservation Lab, National Archives, Washington, DC
Note: Please use 700 Pennsylvania Avenue entrance.
Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Station

Please Note: No Artificial Light May Be Used on the Document.

Additional information:

Find further background information and a transcript of the Civil Rights Act on the list of 100 Milestone Documents of American history on www.ourdocuments.gov.

See National Archives "Documented Rights" online exhibit section on civil rights [www.archives.gov/exhibits/documented-rights/exhibit/]

DocsTeach online resources and related lesson plans for educators [http://docsteach.org/documents/299891/detail]

"Records of Rights" is free and open to the public and is on permanent display in the David M. Rubenstein Gallery of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. The National Archives is located on the National Mall on Constitution Avenue at 9th Street, NW. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily.

"Records of Rights" uses original documents, photographs, facsimiles, videos, and interactive exhibits to explore how Americans have worked to realize the ideals of freedom enshrined in our nation’s founding documents, and how they debated issues such as citizenship, free speech, voting rights, and equal opportunity. Exploring many stories–and showcasing the drive for civil rights for African Americans, women, and immigrants–the new exhibition chronicles the past and current generations whose efforts to secure equality under the law have shaped the country we live in today.

Through a companion website, RecordsofRights.org the public can experience the exhibition beyond the gallery walls.

# # #

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

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