The National Archives Hosts Free Educational Programs this Spring and Summer - for ages from preschool to adult!
Press Release · Monday, April 9, 2018

Washington, DC

Washington, DC – This spring, the National Archives presents a series of free educational programs for all ages from preschool to adult, on topics ranging from Native American dance to baseball!  These programs will be held in the National Archives Museum. 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.

April programs
Story Time for Preschoolers and Adults
Wednesday, April 18, 10–11 a.m., Boeing Learning Center
Join us for story time designed for 3-5 year olds and accompanying adults.  Children practice their listening skills, participate in group activities and create a craft. The theme for April is Amelia Earhart.

Hands-on Adult Workshop: Native American Dance
Wednesday, April 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Boeing Learning Center
Enjoy a night of movement celebrating Native American culture! Learn about and try Native American dance in a workshop run by the American Indian Society of DC. Explore dance, music, culture, heritage, and see National Archives records that tell Native American stories.  Space is limited, please register online.  

We Can Do It! American Women in History
Saturday, April 28, 2:30 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater and YouTube
Families are invited to join us and the and the Bright Star Touring Theater to explore the lives and work of notable American women!  From Amelia Earhart and Laura Ingalls Wilder, Sacajawea, and Susan B. Anthony, this play celebrates courageous, confident women who helped shape our country. A discussion with the actors follows the program.  This special event will stream live online.   

May program
Story Time for Preschoolers and Adults
Wednesday, May 16, 10–11 a.m., Boeing Learning Center
Join us for story time designed for 3- to 5-year-olds and accompanying adults. Children will listen to a story, participate in group activities, and create a craft. The theme for May is Jackie Robinson and baseball records at the National Archives.

June programs
The “Write” Stuff Festival
Saturday, June 2, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater
Bring the family and aspiring young authors for an exciting day celebrating writing and research!  Engage with award winning authors and illustrators and learn about their research, writing, and drawing processes. Can’t make it in person? Join us online for the author conversations. The following award-winning authors and illustrators will join us:  Gennifer Choldenko, Christopher Paul Curtis, Jim Murphy, and Brian Floca. Details and registration online.

Escape Room! Hands-on Adult Workshop
Wednesday, June 13, 6-8 p.m., Public Vaults
Flying saucers, mythical creatures, and secret codes!  Investigate and solve a brand new mystery with some of the more curious records of the National Archives during the third annual “escape room” for adults.  Space is limited. Register online.

June and July
Family Learning Lab Programs
Take on the role of researchers and archivists for a day! During a hands-on simulation, you are invited to help the President’s communications director, Bob, prepare for a very special press conference.  Families will work together to locate and analyze facsimile documents. This opportunity is a great way for everyone to explore history and learn more about the National Archives. Reservations are required and can be made online.  

• Rights and Responsibilities Learning Lab - geared to kids up to fourth grade
  Thursday, June 21, 11 a.m.- noon
  Thursday, July 19, 11 a.m.- noon
   
• Constitution in Action Learning Lab - geared to kids in fifth grade and older
  Friday, June 22, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  
  Friday, July 20, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  

July programs
Independence Day Family Programs!
Wednesday, July 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Constitution Avenue steps & Boeing Learning Center
Come celebrate like it is 1776!  Participate in our celebration ceremony outside, then cool off inside with hands-on family activities, including story time, crafts and more!  Meet John and Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Ned Hector, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of John Hancock.

Genealogy Camp for Kids - Ages 12 and up
July 9-13, 9 a.m.-noon, Boeing Learning Center
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 history detectives into your past!  Register online.  Email education@nara.gov with “Genealogy Camp” in the subject line with questions. This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation.

August programs
Escape Room! Hands-on Adult Workshop
Wednesday, August 8, 6-8 p.m., Public Vaults Exhibit
Flying saucers, mythical creatures, and secret codes!  Investigate and solve a brand new mystery with some of the more curious records of the National Archives during the third annual “escape room” for adults.  Space is limited. Register online

Educators Open House
Thursday, September 13, 6-8 p.m.
Educators, come enjoy a special after hours viewing of the exhibits at the National Archives.  Learn about: resources and workshops for National History Day; options for video conferencing programs in your classroom; DocsTeach online resources and lesson plans; Learning Labs; help with field trip planning; and much more!  Register online.  Please send questions to education@nara.gov.

Constitution Day Family Day
Monday, September 17, 1-4 p.m., Boeing Learning Center
On September 17, 1787 after delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia debated, compromised, and came up with a new framework of government for our country. That signed the document that today lives in the Rotunda and is visited by millions of people from all around the world.  Celebrate the Constitution with hands-on discovery. This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the support of John ​Hancock

Story Time for Preschoolers and Adults
Wednesday, September 19, 10-11 a.m., Boeing Learning Center
Join us for story time designed for 3-5 year olds and accompanying adults. Children will practice their listening skills, participate in group activities and create a craft.

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