2016 Press Releases

National Archives June 16, Program Explores the Equal Rights Amendment
Press Release · Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Washington, DC

Related exhibit “Amending America” on display through September 2017

In conjunction with its exhibition “ Amending America,” the National Archives presents an evening discussion on Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m., titled “The Equal Rights Amendment: Yesterday and Today.” The program is free and open to the public, reserve your seat online or watch a live stream on the National Archives YouTube channel US National Archives YouTube Channel. Presented in partnership with the National Woman’s Party at the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument.

“The Equal Rights Amendment: Yesterday and Today”
Written in 1921 by suffragist Alice Paul, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was introduced into every session of Congress between 1923 and 1972, when it was passed and sent to the states but failed to achieve the necessary three-fourths ratification. Proponents are strongly in favor of the ERA, but some still argue against it. What are the pros and cons of the ERA, and could it become ratified?

A distinguished panel will explore the proposed amendment and its implications in today’s world. Moderated by Page Harrington, Exec. Director, National Woman’s Party at the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument, panelists include E. Faye Williams, President/CEO, National Congress of Black Women, Inc.; Robyn Muncy, Professor of History, University of Maryland; Kyle Ciani, Chair of History, Illinois State University; and Kris Myers, Director of Programs, Alice Paul Institute.

“Amending America,” a new exhibition celebrating the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, will be on display in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, through September 4, 2017.

Featuring more than 50 original documents from the National Archives, this exhibit highlights the remarkably American story of how we have amended, or attempted to amend, the Constitution in order to form "a more perfect union." Amending America is presented in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of AT&T, HISTORY®, and the Lawrence F. O'Brien Family.

Read more about the exhibit in Prologue Magazine: “Amending America” Exhibit Shows How Changes in the Constitution Affect the Way Our Democracy Works

The National Archives is located on the National Mall on Constitution Avenue at 9th Street, NW. Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station. National Archives Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving and December 25. 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 contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

Visitors are invited to share their thoughts on social media using hashtag #AmendingAmerica.

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