The National Archives Hosts Noontime Book Talks in September
Press Release · Thursday, September 8, 2016

Washington, DC

The National Archives presents a series of noontime book talks programs in September. These programs are free and open to the public and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, and streamed live on the National Archives YouTube. Book signings will follow each talk. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW. Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.

BOOK TALK: Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon
Tuesday, September 13, at noon
New York Times bestselling author Larry Tye discusses his recent biography of Robert F. Kennedy, the former Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Presidential candidate. Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon explores RFK’s extraordinary transformation from cold warrior to fiery leftist.

BOOK TALK: The Cold War: Law Lawyers, Spies, and Crises
Wednesday, September 14, at noon
During the four decades of the Cold War, there were periods of intense crisis, when, almost by accident, the world was spared nuclear war. Arthur T. Downey’s The Cold War: Law, Lawyers, Spies and Crises is a thorough look at the people and doctrines that helped avoid global catastrophe. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to East German uprisings, McCarthyism to loyalty oaths, The Cold War is the singular story of an uncommon time in world history.

BOOK TALK: The Taming of Free Speech: America’s Civil Liberties Compromise
Wednesday, September 21, at noon
In the early decades of the 20th century, business leaders condemned civil liberties as masks for subversive activity, while labor sympathizers denounced the courts as shills for industrial interests. But by the Second World War, prominent figures in both camps celebrated the judiciary for protecting freedom of speech. Laura Weinrib illustrates how a surprising coalition of lawyers and activists made judicial enforcement of the Bill of Rights a defining feature of American democracy.

Related new exhibit: Amending America

Only 27 times—out of more than 11,000 proposals—have Americans reached consensus to amend the Constitution. This new exhibit reveals the stories behind why some proposed amendments successfully became part of the Constitution, while others failed to gain enough support. Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery, through September 4, 2017.

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

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