Press Kits: The National Archives Experience
- See History as It Happened
The National Archives Experience Highlights America's Film Treasures - Background Information On The National Archives
Experience
- William G. McGowan Theater to Open on September
10, 2004
- William G. McGowan Theater Fact Sheet
- National Archives Unveils Behind-the-Scenes Film:
"Preserving the Charters of Freedom"
- Fact Sheet on the National Archives
and Records Administration
For PRESS information and to request photographs, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Media Desk.
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Background Information On The National Archives Experience
When the National Archives in Washington, DC reopened its Rotunda on September 18, 2003, it unveiled not only the restored and re-encased Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, but the start of a whole new National Archives Experience for the education and inspiration of the American public. The National Archives, with the help of the Foundation for the National Archives, is creating a dramatic and powerful project to motivate people to care more deeply about democracy, learn about their individual stories, and make use of the patriotic spirit that lives on because of records.
The National Archives Experience is in essence a journey - a journey through time and a journey through American struggles and triumphs. It has the power to teach us how our nation's past can become a living instrument for directing our nation's future. Using exciting interactive components, the National Archives Experience will ensure that each visitor will take from it an understanding of his or her own personal and profound connection to the records in the National Archives. The National Archives Experience will accomplish this through six integrated components:
- Charters of Freedom - the Declaration of Independence, the
Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the National Archives Rotunda are the
centerpiece of the National Archives Experience. For the first time,
all four pages of the Constitution will be displayed and new cases will make
the Charters more accessible for younger visitors and those using wheelchairs.
In addition, a multi-language audio tool will give all visitors a more meaningful
experience.
- Public Vaults - the new permanent exhibition, creates the
feeling of going into the stacks and vaults of the National Archives. In the
central corridor, the Record of America will explore the transformation of
records through time and technology, from the earliest Native American treaties
to Presidential Web sites. The interactive experiences of the vaults will
draw their themes from the Preamble to the Constitution.
In We the People, help an elderly widow establish her identity as an American citizen or discover whether records of your family are in the Archives.
In To Form a More Perfect Union, explore evidence and judgments from civil rights cases such as Brown v. Board of Education or cast your vote after witnessing a great debate in Congress.
In Promote the General Welfare, be transported back to the day man first walked on the moon or uncover surprising inventions and patents from the 19th century.
In Provide for the Common Defense, use records to create a moment of film on D-Day or stand in the shoes of the President during the Cuban Missle Crisis.
In To Ourselves and Our Posterity, help a document become an Archives record or solve the challenge of reading electronic records in the 23rd century.
- William G. McGowan Theater - featuring a dramatic film illustrating the relationship
of records and democracy through the lives of real people. The McGowan Theatre also
will serve as the Capitol region's most important venue for documentary film,
as well as a forum for the great issues of American government.
- Special Exhibition Gallery - devoted to document-based exhibits
on newsworthy and timely topics and traveling exhibits from Presidential Libraries
and other sources. Exhibits that open in the Gallery will travel to other
venues in the U.S. and abroad.
- Learning Center - reaching America's youth, parents and teaching
professionals. The Learning Center will leverage the Archives' resources to
engage and inspire children to connect to our nation's exciting history.
- Internet - for the millions of people worldwide who cannot visit the National Archives Building, and those who want to continue exploring the Archives' resources. The Web site will recreate much of the excitement of the National Archives Experience online.
The records of the National Archives tell the stories of the American people and continually validate the American experience. They are a tangible legacy from the generations who built our nation. The National Archives Experience will inspire individuals to use the Archives to learn, to unravel, to discover and to celebrate these stories and the American spirit that is a hallmark of our great country.
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NATIONAL ARCHIVES RAISES THE CURTAIN ON THE WILLIAM G. MCGOWAN THEATER ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2004
New Theater is Centerpiece of National Archives Experience
Will Serve as one of the Nation's Leading Centers for Documentary Film and a Forum for Programs Exploring American History, Democracy, and Government
Washington,
DC. . .On September 10, 2004, the National Archives will open to the public the
William G. McGowan Theater, a centerpiece of the new National Archives Experience
— the multi-year initiative that is more than tripling the exhibition spaces
and public educational and programming facilities of the National Archives on
the Mall in Washington, DC. The William G. McGowan Theater will be one of the
nation's leading centers for documentary film, as well as a prominent forum for
the discussion and exploration of great issues of American history, democracy
and government. The Theater is named in recognition of a generous leadership
gift from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Inc., in support of the National
Archives Experience.
The path breaking initiatives, programs, and partnerships being launched during 2004 and 2005 at the William G. McGowan Theater include:
- A programming partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts
and Sciences and the Foundation for the National Archives that will
make the McGowan Theater the exclusive Washington venue for a variety of documentary
film festivals, tribute events, and premieres of restored archival films.
- The launch of the new Records of Achievement Award, given
by the Foundation for the National Archives, whose first annual recipient will
be renowned author and historian David McCullough.
- The William G. McGowan Communications Forum, an annual
event examining issues related to the juncture of communications, technology,
and government.
- "Preserving the Charters of Freedom," a short
film produced by Middlemarch Films for NOVA/WGBH (Boston) and PBS that takes
visitors behind the scenes to see the complex conservation of the Declaration
of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights and the development
of a state-of-the-art encasement system to display and protect these keystone
documents.
- Special inaugural programs, including the screening of
feature documentary films, as well as panel discussions and lectures with eminent
authors, historians, journalists, and national figures.
- A new film illustrating the vital role that records play in the lives and experiences of real people that will be on view continuously during public hours and will serve as the introduction to the National Archives Experience.
"The McGowan Theater allows us to bring the work of the nation's best documentarians, authors, and historians — and the unique holdings of the National Archives — to life through major public symposia, thought-provoking panel discussions and lectures, film screenings, family programs, and community activities," said John W. Carlin, Archivist of the United States. "These programs will enable the public to explore how the records of our past impact our present, our future, and our democracy as a whole. William G. McGowan's vision of the potential of communications technology to transform the way we learn lies at the heart of the National Archives Experience, and we are grateful for the support that has made this exceptional new public forum a reality."
OPENING GALA
The opening gala for the William G. McGowan Theater, (invitation only), on September 9, is organized by the Foundation for the National Archives and sponsored by MCI Communications Corporation, of which William G. McGowan was the founder. The event will feature the official ribbon-cutting for the Theater and will include:
- An award presentation and tribute to the first annual recipient of the Foundation
for the National Archives' Records of Achievement Award, renowned author and
historian David McCullough
- A special screening of film clips from the Archives' exceptional film holdings
Celebrating the gala will be luminaries from the fields of communications, broadcasting, and film, as well as Washington dignitaries.
FOUNDATION FOR THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES' RECORDS OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
September 9 marks the launch of the Foundation for the National Archives' Records of Achievement Award, an annual tribute recognizing individuals who have helped share the story of our nation with the American people through their work and their use of historical records. Recipients will embody the Foundation for the National Archives' mission of creating public awareness of the importance of the National Archives as a vital resource in the American democracy.
The first recipient of the award will be David McCullough, who is being recognized for his award-winning career as a historian, author, and cultural figure. Mr. McCullough's nationally acclaimed works include John Adams, The Johnstown Flood, The Great Bridge, The Path between the Seas, Mornings on Horseback, Brave Companions, and Truman.
Throughout the research and writing of his award-winning books, Mr. McCullough has made extensive use of records held at the National Archives, its Presidential Libraries, and regional facilities. Mr. McCullough's expertise in revealing the story of history through original documents has exposed millions of readers to the power of primary sources as evidence of the actual people, places, and events that have shaped our country. Through all of his work, Mr. McCullough has helped make history a more appealing subject to the American public and has increased awareness for the vast treasures that the National Archives holds in trust for the nation.
THE WILLIAM G. MCGOWAN THEATER
Designed by noted architect Warren Cox, the 290 seat William G. McGowan Theater will feature the latest technology and equipment in a design that echoes the 1930s architecture of the National Archives' landmark building. The design combines the grandeur of a classic film theater of the period with the intimacy of a state-of-the-art screening room.
The Theater will be outfitted with pan, tilt, and zoom cameras, full studio
recording capability for stage programs, dressing and rehearsal rooms, and set
storage spaces. The unusual design and facilities allow live programming —
including director interviews, panel discussions, theatrical
performances, and other events — to be integrated with dramatic and documentary
footage or to be presented as stand-alone programs.
The 10 x 24-foot screen will have a motorized system that adjusts for different seating arrangements and media sizes. Advanced Audio/Visual equipment will make it possible to screen 16mm and 35mm film in all aspect ratios, as well as digital video and computer images. LAN Internet connections will enable presenters and performers to participate in events via the web. Multi-channel stereo/surround sound systems can support a variety of audio formats, including Dolby Surround and DTS.
The McGowan Theater will also be fully accessible, with an Assistive Listening system for the hearing-impaired and special wheelchair accessible spaces.
WILLIAM G. McGOWAN
The William G. McGowan Theater is named in recognition of a generous leadership gift from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Inc., in support of the National Archives Experience. William G. McGowan organized MCI Communications Corporation in 1968. From then until his death 24 years later, Mr. McGowan led that company and the entire telecommunications industry in the application of new technologies, the creation of innovative services, and the introduction of competition into what had previously been a closed monopolistic universe. His interests ranged well beyond the confines of commerce and industry, and reflected his belief that education was a unique means for instilling and fulfilling vision. The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund was established to give financial assistance to organizations and causes that reflect the visions, concerns, and lifetime experiences of its founder.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES' FILM HOLDINGS
The National Archives is the world's largest depository of non-commercial
film, with more than 300,000 reels of motion picture film and 200,000 sound and
video recordings. In the McGowan Theater's state-of-the-art screening room, visitors
will have the opportunity to view some of the unique items in this collection,
from the earliest films of the Wright brothers demonstrating their aircraft,
to the first footage of Model Ts rolling off the Ford assembly line. Newsreels,
footage
from the United States Information Agency and the Defense Department, movies,
kinescopes,
and videos in the collection of the National Archives represent the dynamic eras
from the days of the Depression through the present. These film, sound, and video
recordings have not only captured moments in our history, but shaped how we view
ourselves and our nation.
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent Federal agency that preserves and shares with the public records that trace the story of our nation, government, and the American people. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The National Archives is a public trust upon which our democracy depends, ensuring access to essential evidence that protects the rights of American citizens, documents the actions of the government, and reveals the evolving national experience.
THE FOUNDATION FOR THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
The Foundation for the National Archives is a non-profit organization, directed by the private sector, with the mission of furthering the activities of the National Archives, especially the advancement of public education and outreach through the National Archives Experience. The Foundation is responsible for generating financial and creative support for the National Archives' many public initiatives — including permanent exhibitions, an extensive web site, educational programs, traveling exhibitions, special events and screenings, educational literature, as well as historical and record-related products and media — and fostering public awareness of the National Archives as an essential resource of the American democracy.
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NATIONAL ARCHIVES' WILLIAM G. MCGOWAN THEATER
| Overview | |
Opening September 10, 2004, the William G. McGowan Theater is a centerpiece
of the new National Archives Experience, a multi-year initiative that will more
than triple the exhibition spaces and public educational and programming facilities
of the National Archives on the Mall in Washington, DC.
The McGowan
Theater will be one of the nation's leading centers for documentary film,
as well as a prominent forum for the discussion and exploration of great issues
of American history, democracy and government. |
| Public Opening | September 10, 2004 |
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| Programs | The McGowan Theater will feature documentary film series, major public symposia,
and discussions with eminent authors, filmmakers, politicians, and historians,
as well as family programs, historic reenactments, and community activities.
The Theater will host nearly 300 such events and screenings annually.
A highlight of these public events will be the annual “William G. McGowan Communications Forum,” an exploration of the junction of communication, technology, and government. The Theater will also serve as visitors' introduction to the National
Archives Experience, with continuous showings of a dramatic film illustrating
the vital role that records play in the lives and experiences of real people. |
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| National Archives Film Holdings | The National Archives is the world's largest depository of non-commercial film, with more than 300,000 reels of motion picture film and 200,000 sound and video recordings. These film, sound, and video recordings have not only captured moments in our history, but shaped how we view ourselves and our nation. The McGowan Theater will showcase screenings of this rare footage, as well as a wide range of documentary film series. Among the unique items in the National Archives' holdings are the earliest films of the Wright brothers demonstrating their early aircraft and the first footage of Model Ts rolling off the Ford assembly line. Newsreels, footage from United States Information Agency and the Defense Department, movies, kinescopes, and videos make up an integral part of the collection and represent the dynamic eras from the days of the Depression through the present. |
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| Theater Design and Specifications | The 290 seat McGowan Theater will feature the latest technology and equipment in a design that echoes the 1930s architecture of the National Archives' Landmark Building. The design combines the grandeur of a classic film theater of the period with the intimacy of a state-of-the-art screening room. The Theater will be outfitted with pan, tilt, and zoom cameras, full studio recording capability for stage programs, dressing and rehearsal rooms, and set storage spaces. The unusual design and facilities allow live programming — including director interviews, panel discussions, theatrical performances, and other events — to be integrated with dramatic and documentary footage or to be presented as stand-alone programs. The 10 x 24 foot screen will have a motorized system that adjusts for different seating arrangements and media sizes. Advanced Audio/Visual equipment will make it possible to screen 16mm and 35mm film in all aspect ratios, as well as digital video and computer images. LAN Internet connections will enable presenters and performers to participate in events via the web. Multi-channel stereo/surround sound systems can support a variety of audio formats, including Dolby Surround and DTS. The McGowan Theater will also be fully accessible, with an Assistive Listening
system for the hearing-impaired and special wheelchair accessible spaces. |
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| Support | The William G. McGowan Theater is named in recognition of a generous leadership
gift from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Inc., in support of the National
Archive Experience. |
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| Where | National Archives Building The National Mall, Washington, DC Public Entrance on Constitution Avenue between Seventh and Ninth Streets, NW Tier One (Ground Floor) |
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National Archives Unveils Behind-the-Scenes Film: "Preserving the Charters of Freedom"
Washington, DC. . . On Friday, September 10, 2004, the National Archives in partnership with the PBS science series NOVA will unveil a new film, "Preserving the Charters of Freedom." For the first time, the public will glimpse the behind-the-scenes excitement and drama of the preservation and re-encasement of the Charters of Freedom — The Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution and The Bill of Rights.
This free18-minute film produced by Middlemarch Films for NOVA/WGBH (Boston) and PBS will be shown in the new William G. McGowan Theater which will also open to the public on September 10. The McGowan Theater is located in the National Archives Building, Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. The film will be shown every 30-minutes during public hours. Fall/Winter hours are 10 A.M. - 5 P.M., daily. (Occasional special day-time programs may pre-empt the showing of the film. The public may call 202-501-5000 for exact listings.)
"Preserving the Charters of Freedom" tells the story of the re-encasement and the building of new display cases for these great Charters — the three 18th century documents which are the basis of the creation and government of the United States. They are the most precious original documents in the country, arguably in the world.
What at first seems to be a straight-forward operation, protecting a few pieces of parchment from damage, turns out to be an amazingly complex endeavor involving a large number of people from a variety of disciplines. The conflicting demands of the conservators, used to working with parchment and ancient inks, scientists working with computers and space-age materials, and curators concerned with making these documents accessible to a large public, provides the drama for much of this film. The decisions they reach is a consensus based on knowledge of both the chemistry and physics of preservation and an understanding of a craft as old as civilization itself.
As the scientists struggle with infra-red spectroscopy, argon gas and titanium encasements to freeze the physical documents in time, in the end it is the power of these Charters of Freedom — the words and ideas — which will withstand the test of time.
In announcing the unveiling of the new film, Archivist of the United States John W. Carlin said, "For the first time we will be able to share with the public the exciting story of how the Charters of Freedom were preserved and re-encased for public display. We are grateful to Middlemarch Films, NOVA, and PBS for their generosity in making this a reality."
"We are extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the National Archives and Middlemarch Films to make this documentary and have it be the first film shown in the new William G. McGowan Theater," said Paula S. Apsell, senior executive producer, NOVA. "NOVA and PBS' goals are to invite its viewers on a journey of discovery and storytelling. I can think of no better story to tell than the preservation of the 'Charters of Freedom'."
"Preserving the Charters of Freedom" which will be shown in the McGowan Theater through February 15, 2005, is based on an hour-long NOVA documentary which is scheduled to air on PBS in February 2005.
"Preserving the Charters of Freedom" has been made possible through the generosity of the following contributors: WGBH Boston, the Park Foundation, Sprint, Microsoft, Middlemarch Films and PBS.
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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at 202-501-5526 or 301-837-1700.
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