Press Release
Press Release · Friday, November 20, 1998

Washington, DC . . . In January, the National Archives and Records Administration presents lectures and booksignings that relate to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, War II, and to the National Archives new exhibition, "American Originals: Part IV."

The programs are free and open to the public and will take place at the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. The public may verify times and dates by calling the National Archives public events line at (202) 501-5000. TDD users may call (202)501-5404.

Thursday, January 7 —Battle of the Bulge/World War II. On the 54th anniversary of the destruction of the worst-hit American unit at the Battle of the Bulge, author Gregory Orfalea will discuss his eight-year archival search into the history of the battle. The result of his effort, Messengers of the Lost Battalion: The Heroic 551st and the Turning of the Tide at the Battle of the Bulge, has been called "brilliant" (Publisher's Weekly), "a masterly tribute of a son to a father" (Philadelphia Inquirer), and "compelling" (Los Angeles Times). Historian Stephen Ambrose wrote, "Orfalea is unsurpassed in his ability to describe the reality and horror of life on the front line of World War II." Free Press. Noon. 105.

Monday, January 11—Black History Month/Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday. Ira Berlin's book, Many Thousands Gone: The First Two Centuries of Slavery in North America, will be the subject of a panel discussion moderated by Spencer Crew, director of the Smithsonian Museum of American History. The panel includes: Ira Berlin, University of Maryland; James O. Horton, The George Washington University; Rosalyn Terborg-Penn, Morgan State University; and Ronald Hoffman, Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture. Published by Harvard/Belknap. Noon. Theater.

Wednesday, January 27—American Originals, Part IV. For the fourth consecutive year, "American Originals, Part IV," a major exhibit in the Rotunda, presents a sampling of documentary treasures from the vast holdings of the National Archives. Curator Stacey Bredhoff will discuss the new selection of documents placed on display in December 1998. The documents connect us to George Washington, Annie Oakley, Pancho Villa, Susan B. Anthony, Elvis Presley, and many others. The audience may view the exhibit following the lecture. Noon. Room 105.

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

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