A National Archives American Conversation on January 18
Press Release · Friday, December 29, 2006

Press Release
December 29, 2006

A National Archives “American Conversation” on January 18

Distinguished Panel to discuss “New Culture: The Museum Renaissance in Washington”

Washington, DC…Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein and a distinguished panel of museum directors will discuss “New Culture: The Museum Renaissance in Washington” in an “American Conversation” on Thursday, January 18 at 7 PM. The event will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, located on the National Mall at Constitution Ave. and 7th Street, NW

Washington, DC is experiencing an incredible boom in the creation and re-creation of its museums. This high-level panel of museum directors will outline why this phenomenon is occurring. They will examine the relevance of museums in the age of the Internet, explain the emphasis on creating “experience,” and contemplate whether there are enough visitors to support this dramatic expansion. Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein and National Archives Experience Director Marvin Pinkert will lead a one-hour discussion followed by 30 minutes Q&A with leaders of the most prominent current projects: Newseum Executive Director and Senior Vice President Joe Urschel, National Museum of American History Director Brent D. Glass, National Museum of African-American Culture and History Director Lonnie Bunch, National Portrait Gallery Director Marc Pachter, Architect of the Capitol Alan M. Hantman, and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Exhibits Director Marty Sewell.

This program is part of a National Archives series of discussions on American history and identity. Lynne Cheney, Lonnie Bunch, Ken Burns, Hillary Clinton, John Hope Franklin, Lindy Boggs and Cokie Roberts have been featured in previous “American Conversations.” Videos of past programs may be viewed on the National Archives web site.

All programs in the “American Conversations” series are free and open to the public. The National Archives is fully accessible. If you need to request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, please email public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 prior to the event to ensure proper arrangements are secured.

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For press information contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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