Book Talks at the National Archives in October
Press Release · Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Washington, DC…The National Archives will present a series of book talks in October. These events are free and open to the public and will be held at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, which is located on the National Mall, and is fully accessible. Please use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW.

The Assassin’s Accomplice:  Mary Surratt and the Plot to Kill Abraham Lincoln
Wednesday, October 15, noon, Jefferson Room
Kate Clifford Larson tells the story of Mary Surratt, a little-known participant in the plot to kill Abraham Lincoln, and the first woman ever to be executed by the Federal Government. The Assassin’s Accomplice describes the Lincoln conspiracy through the eyes of its only female participant using interviews, confessions, and court testimony. A book signing will follow the program.

The Last Lincoln Conspirator: John Surratt’s Flight from the Gallows
Wednesday, October 15, 1:30 p.m., Jefferson Room
Despite all that has been written about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the story of John Surratt—the only conspirator who got away—remains untold and largely unknown. Andrew Jampoler tells what happened to that last conspirator. A book signing will follow the program.

The Black Citizen-Soldiers of Kansas, 1864–1900
Thursday, October 16, 10:45 a.m.–noon, Washington Room
In “The Black Citizen-Soldiers of Kansas, 1864–1900,” Roger Cunningham explores the quest of African American men, most of them former slaves, for inclusion in American society in peacetime and wartime. He recounts the history of black Regular Army soldiers and hundreds of other militiamen and volunteers from the Sunflower State who provided military service from the Civil War until the dawn of the 20th century. This program is presented by the Afro-American Society of the National Archives.

A Declaration of Energy Independence
Tuesday, October 21, 7 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater
Between rising oil prices, global instability, and environmental degradation, most Americans acknowledge the need for energy independence. As the former head of the Energy Information Administration, Jay Hakes had an inside look at America’s energy problems. Combining science with historical and political context, Hakes offers his insight and presents viable solutions for a more stable political, economic, and military future for America. Hakes is the director of the Jimmy Carter Library in Atlanta. A book signing will follow the program.

Full Fathom Five:  A Daughter’s Search
Wednesday, October 22, noon, Jefferson Room
Mary L. Fowler discusses her book Full Fathom Five:  A Daughter’s Search. Born after her father was lost at sea in 1943, Fowler grew up not knowing who he was or what happened to him and his submarine crew. After researching ship’s logs, letters, and naval records, she wrote this memoir, which reveals what she learned about the perils and hardships of submarine service in wartime, the tragic irony of how her father’s sub was lost, and the long-term damage experienced by the families of those who do not come home from war. A book signing will follow the program.

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

To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call the Public Programs Line at: (202) 357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events online. To contact the National Archives, please call 1-866-272-6272 or 1-86-NARA-NARA (TDD) 301-837-0482.

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