Free Educational Programs this Fall for All Ages, Preschool to Adult!
Press Release · Monday, October 16, 2017

Washington, DC

This fall, the National Archives presents a series of educational programs for all ages from preschool to adult, on topics ranging from the United Nations to Navajo code talkers!  These programs are free and open to the public.  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.

October Programs

Resource Room Activity:  The United Nations

Through October 31, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Boeing Learning Center
Explore the United Nations through hands-on activities throughout the month of October.
Investigate the world's peacekeeping organization and the values that its founding members agreed to uphold.

Story Time:  Special Program for Pre-Schoolers and Adults

Wednesday,October 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 October is Halloween in the White House.

November Programs

Resource Room Activity:  The Navajo and their Code Talkers

November 1-30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Boeing Learning Center
​Test your code breaking skills with this month's featured activity in the ReSource Room!  ​Learn about the key role the Navajo Nation played in the Pacific War, using their language to transmit information in a code the Japanese were never able to break. ​Do y​ou have what it takes to crack the Navajo Code​?​

Citizenship Family Day

Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Boeing Learning Center

Engage in hands-on activities as you explore Archives records to discover what it takes to become a U.S. citizen, investigate the rights and responsibilities for citizens, and unravel the challenges that some face in their citizenship.  This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the support of John ​Hancock.

Children’s Book Talk:  Shooting the Moon - Vietnam through the Eyes of a Child

Saturday, November 11, at 11 a.m., William G. McGowan Theater & YouTube
Bring the family and join award-winning author Frances O’Roark Dowell to explore her book Shooting the Moon, the story of 12-year-old Jamie, whose brother enlists in the Army and is sent to Vietnam. Learn how the author researched what life was like in an American military family during this time and how she brought this story to life. A book signing will follow the program.  This event is held in conjunction with the Remembering Vietnam exhibition that opens on November 10. Presented in part by the Lawrence F. O’Brien Family, Pritzker Military Museum & Library, AARP, FedEx Corporation, and the National Archives Foundation. Additional support provided by the Maris S. Cuneo Foundation, The Eliasberg Family Foundation, Inc., and HISTORYⓇ.  The Opening Weekend Celebration is presented in part by L3 Technologies, Inc., and Bell Helicopter.

Family-friendly Featured Document Display: State Department Yeti Memo

East Rotunda Gallery, through November 29, 2017

Want to hunt for the Yeti in Nepal? There are Government rules for that!  Just in time for Halloween, the National Archives Museum shares a 1959 State Department memo about the Yeti, the long-feared Abominable Snowman (and relative of Bigfoot).  The National Archives Museum’s “Featured Document” exhibit is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation.

December Programs

Adult Writing Workshop:  Ignite Your Writing With Research!

Wednesday, December 6, at 5:30 p.m., Boeing Learning Center

Join Janet Macreery, National Archives volunteer and author of the award-winning middle grade historical fiction novel A Little Wicked, for a hands-on look into how research helps storytellers weave their tales. Macreery will show participants how to actively dive into historical records to find patterns, glean details and use their imaginations to create stories of all genres.

Children’s Book Talk: Fault Lines in the Constitution

Saturday, December 9, at 11 a.m., William G. McGowan Theater & YouTube

Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the Constitution.  Join authors Cynthia and Sanford Levinson as they engage young readers in the question: “Does the government established by the Constitution meet the goals it set out to accomplish?” in a program for kids ages 10 and up and their families.  Enjoy hands-on Constitution-related activities before the 11:00 AM discussion and a book signing by the authors following the discussion.

Story Time:  Special Program for Pre-Schoolers and Adults

Wednesday, December 13, 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.  

Public programming at the National Archives is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund.