Special Programs Highlight National Archives Records in May
Press Release · Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Washington, DC

In May, the National Archives will feature programs highlighting records from its holdings, including classes on Native American and African American records.  All programs are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.  The programs will be held in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.   Please note that two of the programs will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

Visitors to all programs in the National Archives Building Research Center (Room G-24) should use the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Visitors to the program in the William G. McGowan Theater should use the Special Events entrance at Constitution Ave. and 7th St., NW. The National Archives at College Park, MD is located at 8601 Adelphi Road. See directions to both locations.

Tuesday, May 5, at 11 a.m.
Native American Records at Footnote.com
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
A growing collection of National Archives records relating to Native Americans is available at Footnote.com.  These records include Dawes Commission records, treaties, and census rolls.  Laura Prescott of Footnote.com will review the available records, show how to search the site for best results, and demonstrate how this online resource can make Native American research easier and more effective. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, May 7, at 11 a.m.).

Wednesday, May 6, at 11 a.m.
Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m.
Introduction to Genealogy
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Archives staff will present a lecture on basic genealogical research in Federal records. This lecture occurs on select Saturdays and the first Wednesday of the month.  The next introductory lectures will take place on Wednesday, June 3 and Saturday, June 13.

Tuesday, May 12, at 11 a.m.
“Discovering the Civil War” Exhibit
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Senior Curator Bruce Bustard will discuss the National Archives’ upcoming “Discovering the Civil War” exhibit (opening in April 2010) and share some of his favorite discoveries from the exhibit team's research.. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, May 14 at 11 a.m.).

Saturday, May 16, noon–4 p.m.
“Help! I'm Stuck”
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Not sure where to begin your research? Is there a genealogical or historical problem that has stumped you? Would you like to explore new directions in your research? On select Saturdays, an archivist will be available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer questions. Look for the sign at the Research Center desk reading, “Help! I'm Stuck.”  The next weekend opportunity will be Saturday, June 13.

Tuesday, May 19, at 11 a.m. and noon.
From the Records Book Group and Lecture
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Following a related presentation at 11 a.m., the From the Records Book Group will discuss Railroads in the Civil War: The Impact of Management on Victory and Defeat by John Elwood Clark.  Check the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) for book availability and a special discount for book group participants.  The September book selection will be The General and the Jaguar: Pershing’s Hunt for Pancho Villa: A True Story of Revolution and Revenge by Eileen Welsome.

Tuesday, May 26, at 11 a.m.
History of Filipinos in the DC Area Before 1965
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Rita Cacas, archives specialist, will discuss her research for a forthcoming book on Filipinos in the Washington, DC, area.  Upon annexation of the Philippines to the United States in 1898, Filipinos arrived in the U.S. as foreign nationals. While a large number of Filipinos settled in the west coast, many settled in the Washington, DC, area in the first half of the 20th century. The talk will include records and images from the National Archives. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, May 28 at 11 a.m.).

Saturday, May 30, at 10:15 a.m.–2 p.m.
An Introduction to Genealogy: An African American Perspective
William G. McGowan Theater (Enter at the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th St.)
Deborah Daniels, American Legacy magazine, and Reginald Washington, staff archivist, will present a workshop on basic genealogical research and techniques. They will discuss the use of oral history, pedigree charts, family group sheets, and other resources including Federal, state, and local records available for African American family research.  Reservations are required, and a fee of $20 is payable by cash or check at the door.  Call 202-357-5333.

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

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