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Press Release
Press Release · Tuesday, April 20, 1999

Press Release
April 20, 1999
June Public Programs at the National Archives

Washington, DC . . . In June the National Archives and Records Administration presents lectures and booksignings, performances and a special document display relating a variety of subjects including National History Day, Vietnam, the Civil War, and the exhibitions Picturing the Century: One Hundred Years of Photography from the National Archives and 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.

Wednesday, June 2—Special Document Display
Patent Drawing—"Rubber Base Ball"

This year's theme for the National History Day competition is "Science, Technology, Invention in History." The holdings of the National Archives include a vast number of records related to science and technology, including more than 126,000 patent drawings. In recognition of National History Day, we will display Henry A. Alden's 1868 patent drawing for an improved "Rubber Base Ball." Rotunda through June 24. The public should use the Constitution Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW.

Wednesday, June 2—Archival Sources Illustrated Lecture
Picturing the Century

Richard Schneider, curator of "The Long View" (a panoramic photograph exhibit located at the National Archives at College Park) will discuss panoramic photography, demonstrate the use of a camera, and discuss how the exhibit prints were produced using digital imaging technology. He is a supervisory photographer in the Special Media Preservation Laboratory. The audience will be able to see the Circular Gallery exhibit, "Picturing the Century," following the lecture. Noon. Room 105.

Tuesday, June 8—Author Lecture and Booksigning
Oral History

Tony Hiss will discuss The View from Alger's Window: A Son's Memoir. Based, in part, on 446 letters his father wrote from prison, this work is a "personal, non-political view of a father by his son." Noon. Theater. Reservations are recommended. Call 202-208-7345 for details.

Thursday, June 10—Author Lecture and Booksigning
Biography/Foreign Affairs

Beate Sirota Gordon will discuss The Only Woman in the Room: A Memoir. After World War II Gordon worked in General MacArthur's Tokyo office and assisted with the writing of the Japanese constitution. Her research and writings concerning the rights of women in Japan altered their status in a society where, until then, none had enjoyed a bona fide legal status. Noon. Room G-13. Reservations not required, but are recommended. Call 202-208-7345 for details.

Wednesday, June 16—Archival Sources Special Presentations
National History Day Performance and Project Board Finalists

In conjunction with National History Day, NARA presents finalists in project boards and individual performances at the National Archives Building. The theme of the 1999 competition is "Science, Technology, Invention in History: Impact, Influence, Change." Join NARA in a celebration of excellence in education. 10 A.M.–1 P.M. Portico and Rotunda, Constitution Avenue.

Tuesday, June 22—Author Lecture and Booksigning
Civil War/Biography

In Walt Whitman: The Song of Himself, Jerome Loving makes use of recently discovered writings to present an accurate, complete, and complex portrait of the poet. Loving's discussion will focus on the Civil War, when Whitman nursed the wounded and wrote of the atrocities of war. Noon. Room 105. Reservations are recommended. Call 202-208-7345 for details.

Wednesday, June 23—Archival Sources Performances
American Originals: Time Travelers

The American Historical Theatre troupe will bring to life some of the historical figures highlighted in the American Originals: Part IV exhibit in the Rotunda. Benjamin Franklin will be our guide as we meet George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Annie Oakley, Harriet Tubman, and Elvis Presley. Performances at 11 A.M., 1:30 P.M., and 2:30 P.M. Rotunda.

Thursday, June 24—Author Lecture and Booksigning
Military History/Vietnam War

Lewis Sorley will discuss his latest work, A Better War: The Unexamined Victories and the Final Tragedy of America's Last Years in Vietnam. Drawing on materials not previously available, Sorley has given an insightful and superbly documented history of these important years. A third-generation graduate of West Point, Sorley has served in the U.S. Army, on staff at the Pentagon, and as a senior civilian official in the Central Intelligence Agency. Noon. Room 105. Reservations are recommended. Call 202-208-7345 for details.

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

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