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Press Release nr98-120
Press Release · Monday, July 27, 1998

Washington, DC

Press Release
July 27, 1998
Constitution Day Celebration at the National Archives and Records Administration

Washington, DC . . . On Thursday, September 17, 1998, the National Archives will celebrate the 211th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States with its popular naturalization ceremony and free public programs. The following events are part of a month-long celebration of the U.S. Constitution.

The National Archives is located on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Please note that the Exhibition Hall will be open to the public at noon and will remain open until 8 P.M., TODAY ONLY. Winter hours of 10 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. will resume on September 18.

10 a.m.The day begins with a naturalization ceremony for petitioners seeking American citizenship held in the National Archives Rotunda in front of the Constitution with a judge of the U.S. District Court presiding. The program will include remarks by John W. Carlin, Archivist of the United States. This moving ceremony is open to petitioners’ families and guests, as well as to a LIMITED number of members of the public holding tickets. Tickets are free but MUST BE RESERVED by calling (202) 501-5215.
Noon-8 p.m.The first and signature pages of the Constitution, on permanent display in the National Archives Rotunda, with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, will be flanked by a joint services military honor guard. The impressive changing of the guard will take place every 30 minutes beginning at noon.
Noon Film Liberty!: The American Revolution, 1997. Episode 5, "The World Turned Upside Down." The British hope to exploit the contradictions posed by slavery in the southern colonies, and France enters the war. The miraculous convergence of Washington’s army and the French fleet at Yorktown traps a weary British army led by Lord Cornwallis. Two years later, the Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the war. Produced by KTCA-TV, in association with Middlemarch Films. (60 minutes.) Noon. Theater.
1:00-4:00p.m.The Time Travelers. The American Historical Theatre will bring to life George Washington, the first President of our country, and James Madison, "the father of the Constitution." Visitors will have a chance to listen to and question Mr. Washington and Mr. Madison after they discuss the people’s dissatisfaction with the Articles of Confederation, Shays’ Rebellion, and what led to the Constitutional Convention. Rotunda.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

98-120

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