The National Archives Hosts Special Public Programs in April
Press Release · Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Washington, D.C.

The National Archives presents a series of daytime public programs in April.  These programs are free and open to the public. The April 22 genealogy program will be held in the Research Center (Pennsylvania Avenue NW entrance). For all other programs, attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW.  The building is Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.

FEATURED ACTIVITY: DC Compensated Emancipation Act
Monday-Saturday April 1-30: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Boeing Learning Center Resource Room
On April 16, 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the DC Compensated Emancipation Act, ending slavery in Washington, DC. This Act freed approximately 3,100 enslaved people and allowed former slaveholders to petition the Government for compensation. Visit Boeing Learning Center in April to commemorate the anniversary of this act and learn more through a hands-on activity. See related video.

RECORDS TALK:  “Hidden Treasure” Panoramic Photographs of Alaska Territory
Wednesday, April 12: 2 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater and YouTube
Richard Schneider discusses historic panoramic photographs in our Still Picture Holdings taken of the Alaska Territory between 1910 and 1932. The panoramas are on exhibit at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland. This event will stream live online. Presentation materials available online. See related video and National Archives News story.

STORY TIME:  Special Program for Pre-Schoolers and Adults
Wednesday, April 19: 10–11 a.m., Boeing Learning Center
Story time is designed for 3- to 5-year-olds and accompanying adults. Children practice their listening skills, sing songs, and make crafts. April’s theme is “Let’s Play Ball with Jackie Robinson.”

RECORDS TALK: The Truman Doctrine and the Origins of the Cold War
Wednesday April 19: 2 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater and YouTube
Sam Rushay, supervisory archivist at the Harry S. Truman Library, will discuss the historical significance of the Truman Doctrine in observation of its 70th anniversary.  This event will stream live online.  Presentation materials are available online.

BOOK TALK:  Ike and McCarthy: Dwight Eisenhower’s Secret Campaign against Joseph McCarthy
Friday, April 21: noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Author David A. Nichols reveals how President Dwight D. Eisenhower masterminded the downfall of the anti-Communist demagogue Senator Joseph McCarthy. Nichols uses documents previously unavailable or overlooked to authenticate the extraordinary story of Eisenhower’s anti-McCarthy campaign. This event will stream live online.  A book signing follows the program.

FAMILY DAY:  Sports in the Archives Family Day 
Saturday, April 22: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Boeing Learning Center
Let’s play ball! Participate in exciting activities and learn how well-known athletes and competitions shaped American history—on and off the field. Whether you are a star athlete or a sideline spectator, this Family Day has records and activities for everyone!
Join the National Archives for a fun, activity-filled day. This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the support of John ​Hancock.

GENEALOGY:  “Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Consultation
Saturday, April 22: noon–4 p.m., Research Center (Penn. Avenue Entrance)   
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? Archivist Claire Kluskens is available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer your questions. Sign up for first-come, first-served 20-minute appointments at the Microfilm Research desk.  Genealogy consultations take place one Saturday a month, in the Microfilm Research Room of the Research Center.

BOOK TALK The Hello Girls: America’s First Women Soldiers
Tuesday, April 25: noon , William G. McGowan Theater & YouTube
In 1918, the U.S. Army Signal Corps, at the insistence of General John J. Pershing, sent 223 American women to France because they were masters of the latest technology: the telephone switchboard. In her book, The Hello Girls, Professor Elizabeth Cobbs reveals the challenges these courageous women faced in a war zone and under enemy fire to keep the U.S. army commanders connected with troops on the front lines. This event will stream live online. A book signing will follow the program.  Public programming is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation.

GENEALOGY CAMP FOR KIDS! (Ages 12 and up)
Monday July 10–Friday July 14:  9 a.m.–noon
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! REGISTER NOW! Ever wondered about your family’s roots and who is on your family tree? This hands-on, week-long camp will introduce the basics of genealogy research. Discover how to use the resources of the National Archives to be a history detective into your family’s past! To register or for more information, please send an e-mail to education@nara.gov with Genealogy Camp in the subject line.