NARA Holds Program on the Federal Triangle in April
Press Release · Thursday, March 12, 2009

Washington, DC

Special program and exhibit celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Archives

In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the National Archives presents a special program about building the Federal Triangle on Friday, April 23, and the new exhibition “BIG! Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Archives.” Both the program and exhibition are at the National Archives Building, which is located on Constitution Avenue at 9th Street, NW, and is fully accessible.  Spring hours (March 15 through Labor Day) are 10 am to 7 pm, daily.  Admission is free.

Special program and exhibit celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Archives
Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater
Conceived during the Roaring Twenties and largely built during the Great Depression, the Federal Triangle in Washington, DC, was an urban redevelopment project whose scale and architectural ambition were unprecedented in the United States. A panel of experts, including Robert Leighninger, author of Long-Range Public Investment: The Forgotten Legacy of the New Deal, and George Gurney, deputy chief curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and author of Sculpture and the Federal Triangle, will discuss the construction of this massive Federal complex as well as its political origins and its integration of various fine arts.  Martin Moeller, senior vice president and curator at the National Building Museum, will moderate. Use the National Archives Building Special Events entrance on the corner of 7th Street and Constitution Avenue.  This program is presented in partnership with the National Building Museum.

BIG! Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Archives
Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery, through January 3, 2010
The National Archives celebrates its 75th year in 2009 with a new exhibition featuring big records, big events, and big ideas. At a time when many people struggle to see documents and images on smaller and smaller screens, the National Archives exhibition “BIG!” presents the nation’s original record in its full-scale glory. From the 13-foot scroll of the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, to the size 22 sneaker of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, the items in the exhibition are pieces of the American story—writ large.

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

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

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