NARA Presents Free Public Programs Related to the Treaty of Paris
Press Release · Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Press Release
September 9, 2008

National Archives Presents Free Public Programs in October Related to the Treaty of Paris

New exhibition “1783:  Subject or Citizen” celebrates Treaty’s 225th anniversary

Washington, DC…In October, the National Archives will present a series of public programs inspired by the new exhibition 1783:  Subject or Citizen? that runs from October 3, 2008 through January 25, 2009, in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery. These programs include an evening with a discussion of the Treaty’s legacy, a special screening of the movie 1776, and a salute to the National Film Board of Canada. All events are free and open to the public, and will be held at the National Archives Building, which is fully accessible. Please use the National Archives Building Special Events entrance on the corner of 7th Street and Constitution Avenue.

The Men Who Signed the Treaty of Paris
Friday, October 3, 7 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater
The legacy of the Treaty of Paris, signed on September 3, 1783, has been much greater than was ever anticipated by its American and British negotiators. A panel of historians will discuss the treaty signers: J. A. Leo Lemay, professor, University of Delaware, and author of “Benjamin Franklin: A Documentary History;” John P. Diggins, professor, City University of New York, and author of John Adams; Walter Stahr, author of “John Jay:  Founding Father;” and William Anthony Hay, assistant professor, Mississippi State University, on British signer David Hartley. Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein will moderate, and the Librarian and Archivist of Canada Ian E. Wilson will make opening remarks. This program is presented in partnership with the Embassy of Canada.

Treaty of Paris Film Series—1776
Saturday, October 18, noon, William G. McGowan Theater
The musical 1776 shows the Second Continental Congress struggling with the momentous question of whether to separate from Great Britain. John Adams, with the help of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, is trying to get the Congress to declare independence. This screening will be on 35mm film. (1972, 142 minutes)

A Salute to the National Film Board of Canada
Thursday, October 23, 7 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater
This program, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in partnership with The Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film and the Foundation for the National Archives, celebrates more than 50 years of Oscar®-nominated and -winning short subjects produced by the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). Hosted by renowned animation critic and historian Charles Solomon, the program will feature several films, including Neighbours (1952), Christmas Cracker (1962), Bob’s Birthday (1993), and Ryan (2004). The program will be introduced by Academy President Sid Ganis. NFB Government Film Commissioner Tom Perlmutter and animation producer Marcy Page will participate in the program.

For information on National Archives Public Programs, call (202) 357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events online.

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

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