Press/Journalists

National Archives Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month in May
Press Release · Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Washington, DC…In May, the National Archives will celebrate the first annual Jewish American Heritage Month with special programs, speakers, and films. All events are free and open to the public. They will be held at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, located on the National Mall at Constitution Ave. and 7th Street, NW.

Friday, May 4, at 11 A.M., Jefferson Room
Repeat screening: Saturday, May 5, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Family Film-An American Tail
An American Tail is the animated story of the Mousekewitz family’s journey to America and the adventures of their young son, Fievel, who gets lost along the way. Landing in a bottle, Fievel washes ashore in New York Harbor where, determined to find his family, he comes face to face with the perils and opportunities of the New World. Featuring the voices of Dom DeLuise, Christopher Plummer, and Madeline Kahn. Directed by Don Bluth. Rated G. (1986, 80 minutes).

Wednesday, May 9, at 6 P.M., William G. McGowan Theater
Film and Discussion-The Rape of Europa
The Rape of Europa is a feature documentary that tells of the systematic theft, deliberate destruction, and miraculous survival of Europe’s art treasures during the Second World War. The film skillfully interweaves the history of Nazi art looting with contemporary stories of restitution. Tonight, following a screening of the 117-minute film, a distinguished panel will participate in a discussion and a question-and-answer session with the audience. Panelists include Lynn H. Nicholas, author of The Rape of Europa, the award-winning companion book; Robert M. Edsel, author of Rescuing Da Vinci and a co-producer of the film, and Michael J. Kurtz, Assistant Archivist for Records Services at the National Archives.

Thursday, May 17, at 7 P.M., William G. McGowan Theater
Julius Rosenwald: The Man Who Built Sears, Roebuck and Advanced the Cause of Black Education in the South
Peter M. Ascoli, grandson of Julius Rosenwald, tells the remarkable story of Rosenwald’s lifelong devotion to hard work and success and of his giving back to the nation in which he prospered. The son of German Jewish immigrants, Julius Rosenwald-president and CEO of Sears, Roebuck & Co. was an exemplary businessman, pioneering philanthropist, and true humanitarian who played an important part in the history of America at the start of the 20th century. Yet few know the story of this immensely talented figure. His commitment to social justice and equality led him to involvement in a wide range of philanthropic projects-among them the building of more than 5,300 schools for African Americans in the rural South and the issuing of an unprecedented $1 million challenge grant to aid Jewish victims of World War I.

Tuesday, May 22, at 7 P.M., William G. McGowan Theater
Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson will discuss his latest work, Einstein: His Life and Universe. Albert Einstein was the most influential scientist of the 20th century, and Isaacson’s book is the first full biography of this great icon of our age since all of his papers have become available. Isaacson looks at Einstein’s science, personal life, and politics, and explains how his mind worked, what he was really like, and the mysteries of the universe that he discovered. Isaacson, the CEO of the Aspen Institute, has been chairman of CNN and managing editor of Time magazine. He is the author of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life and Kissinger: A Biography and is co-author of The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made.

The National Archives is fully accessible. If you need to request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program please e-mail public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 two weeks prior to the event to ensure proper arrangements are secured. Spring hours (through Labor Day) are 10 A.M. - 7 P.M. daily.

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For press information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs Staff at: 202-357-5300.

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