National Archives Holds Genealogy-related Programs in February 2011
Press Release · Thursday, April 21, 2011

Washington, DC…In February, the National Archives will feature genealogy-related programs highlighting records from its holdings. All programs are free and open to the public, and 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 February 15th program in the Adams Room should use the Special Events Entrance on Constitution Ave. at 7th St. NW. The National Archives at College Park, MD, is located at 8601 Adelphi Road. See directions to both locations.

Tuesday, February 1, at 11 A.M., Room G-24, Research Center
Caribbean Immigrants: Using Federal Records to Locate Immigrant Ancestors from the West Indies, 1890–1930
Using Federal records from 1890–1930, archivist Damani Davis discusses how to locate immigrant ancestors from the West Indies. (The lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room D, Thursday, February 3, at 11 A.M.)

Wednesday, February 2, at 11 A.M., Room G-24, Research Center
Introduction to Genealogy
Archives staff present a lecture on basic genealogical research in Federal records. This lecture is offered the first Wednesday of the month.

Tuesday, February 15, at 11 A.M. and noon, Adams Room
From the Records Book Group
After a related presentation at 11 a.m., the book group discusses Escape on the Pearl: The Heroic Bid for Freedom on the Underground Railroad by Mary Kay Ricks. Check the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) for book availability and a discount for book group participants. Brown bag lunches welcome.

Wednesday, February 16, at 11 A.M., Room G-24, Research Center
Emancipation Records of the District of Columbia
Damani Davis, archivist, teaches this month’s “Beyond the Basics” archival research skills for genealogists, held on the third Wednesday of each month (all skill levels welcome).

Tuesday, February 22, at 11 A.M., Room G-24, Research Center
Exploring the Ex-Slave Pension Movement
Miranda Booker Perry, archivist trainee, discusses the quest for ex-slave pensions and the role Federal agencies played in suppressing freed people. (The lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, February 24, at 11 A.M.)

Saturday, February 26, at 10 A.M., Room G-24, Research Center
Beyond the Basics: Immigration Records
Archives staff teach “Beyond the Basics” archival research skills for genealogists on the third Saturday of the month records (all skill levels welcome).

Saturday, February 26, noon–4 P.M., Room G-24, Research Center
“Help! I’m Stuck”
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? An archivist is available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer genealogy research questions. Sign up for a 20-minute appointment at the Microfilm Research desk in room G-26.

Save the Date!

National Archives 7th Annual Genealogy Fair:  Become Your Family’s Detective
Wednesday, April 20, and Thursday, April 21, 2011, 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
National Archives Research Center
This two-day program showcases the Federal records located at the National Archives as resources for family history research. Speakers and exhibitors include National Archives staff, historians, and genealogy professionals. The fair provides information and guidance for experienced genealogy professionals and novices alike. Reservations are not required, the fair is free and open to the public, and presented in partnership with the Foundation for the National Archives.

The National Archives Building and the National Archives at College Park are fully accessible. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, please e-mail public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 at least two weeks prior to the event. To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call 202-357-5333, 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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