Press Release
Press Release · Monday, March 8, 1999

Washington, DC . . . In April, the National Archives and Records Administration presents lectures and booksignings relating to the Cold War, World War II and Congressional History. This month NARA is also celebrating the centennial of Duke Ellington's birth with several public programs.

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.

Tuesday, April 6—World War II/ Foreign Affairs
Dr. Pierre Braunschweig, former diplomat and personal assistant to the Chief of the General Staff of the Swiss Army, will discuss In the Eye of the Hurricane: Switzerland in World War II. Based on his extensive archival research, the discussion will include such topics as Switzerland's importance for Allied intelligence during the war and the economic relations between the Swiss and Nazi Germany. Dr. Braunschweig is the Director of the Bureau for Policy Assessments in Berne. Noon. Theater.

Thursday, April 8—Congressional History
Joseph Hernon's book, Profiles in Character: Hubris and Heroism in the U.S. Senate, 1789–1990, focuses on the "unsung heroes" in the U.S. Senate. Hernon shares witty quotes and brings to light significant events neglected in most U.S. history texts. Mr. Hernon is Professor of History Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts. Noon. Room 105.

Tuesday, April 13—Espionage/Cold War
Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Ted Morgan describes the extraordinary life of Jay Lovestone in A Covert Life—Jay Lovestone: Communist, Anticommunist, and Spymaster. Morgan shows how Lovestone rose in the ranks of the American Communist Party, was personally expelled by Stalin, then joined the anti-Communist establishment after World War II. Lovestone ran a private, CIA-funded intelligence service and worked alongside his friend, legendary spycatcher James Jesus Angelton. Noon. Room 105.

Thursday, April 22—Military History/World War II
Flying a shark-mouthed P-40 in the skies over China in 1943 and 1944, Donald S. Lopez participated in one of the most remarkable air campaigns of World War II. His book, Into The Teeth of the Tiger, provides a vivid pilot's-eye view. This edition features new photographs, most never before published. Noon. Room 105.

Tuesday, April 27—Archival Sources Performance
The Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir The highly acclaimed and award-winning Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir has thrilled audiences worldwide. Organized in 1986 under the direction of Samuel L. E. Bonds, the choir is composed of student artists from neighborhoods spanning the entire Washington metropolitan area. Their diverse repertoire ranges from classical to jazz to Motown. Today the choir will pay tribute to Duke Ellington with an hour of his magical music. 1:30 P.M. Theater.

Thursday, April 29—100 Candles for the Duke: A Birthday Lecture and Celebration of the Ellington Legacy
Reuben Jackson, archivist with the Smithsonian's Duke Ellington Collection, will present a slide lecture (with sound recordings) highlighting materials in the collection, which was donated by the composer's son, Mercer Ellington, in 1988. The collection includes materials that illuminate the Washington native's inestimable contribution as a bandleader, composer, and world statesman. Mr. Jackson is also a music critic and poet whose book, fingering the keys, includes poetic tributes to Ellington as well as longtime Ellington Orchestra member Johnny Hodges. 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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