Know Your Records Program
Free events to keep you in the know, held in Washington, DC, and College Park, Maryland.
Researcher Information
See Photos from the Fifth Annual Genealogy Fair
National Archives Creates Awards for Excellence in Genealogy
- View our updated Tutorial
, "Beginning Your Genealogical Research at the National Archives and Records Administration",
a Powerpoint presentation - See our recent issue of Researcher News for Washington DC area researchers
Join the Researcher News Mailing List at kyr@nara.gov
See our new brochure (PDF), Finding Information on Personal Participation in World War II
Contact Know Your Records program
Are you looking for a way to present research work done at the National Archives?
The Know Your Records program staff would like to hear from you. Through this program, lecturers present programs designed to educate researchers, staff, and volunteers about the various holdings found within the National Archives. You can submit your ideas for a presentation at KYR@nara.gov.
Lectures and Films
Lectures are held at the National Archives Building, Washington, DC, in Room G-24 (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue side of the building). Events are free unless otherwise noted.
November
Tuesday, November 10, 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Panoramic Photographs of the Alaskan Frontier, 1911–1932
Richard Schneider, National Archives analyst, will discuss the preservation project to reformat deteriorating nitrate film negatives, taken by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) surveyors and topographers, of various Alaskan regions in the early 20th century. The project was recently completed in 2008, so this will be the first public viewing of these panoramas. The discussion will cover preservation, textual records, cartographic records, and access. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, November 12, at 11 a.m.)
For DC location details see our Visitor's Map.
Genealogy Programs
Introducing NEW genealogy programs one Wednesday and one Saturday a month held at the National Archives Building; Room G-24, Research Center unless otherwise noted (enter on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the building.)
November
Wednesday, November 4, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Introduction to Genealogy
Archives staff will present a lecture on basic genealogical research in Federal records. This lecture occurs the first Wednesday of the month: the next one is Wednesday, December 2.
Saturday, November 21, at 10 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Introduction to Genealogy
Archives staff will present a lecture on basic genealogical research in Federal records.
Saturday, November 21, noon–4 p.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
“Help! I’m Stuck”
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? Would you like to explore new directions in your research? On select Saturdays, an archivist will be available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer questions. Look for the “Help! I’m Stuck” sign at the Research Center desk.
December
Wednesday, December 2, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Introduction to Genealogy
Archives staff will present a lecture on basic genealogical research in Federal records. This lecture occurs on the first Wednesday of the month, and the next one will take place on Wednesday, January 6.
All Genealogy Workshops Nationwide
From the Records Book Group
Washington, DC…The National Archives will hold six book group discussions in 2009. All programs are free and open to the public, and most will be held at noon in the National Archives Building Research Center, Room G-24. Please check the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) for book availability and a special discount for book group participants.
November 17, 2009, at 11 A.M. and noon
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
Following a related lecture at 11 a.m., From the Records Book Group discusses, The Whiskey Merchant's Diary: An Urban Life in the Emerging Midwest by Joseph J. Mersman, Edited by Linda A. Fisher. Please check the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) for book availability and a special discount for book group participants.
For DC location details see our Visitor's Map.
Lectures
Tuesdays: Room G-24, Research Center
National Archives Building
Washington, DC
Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue
Thursdays: Lecture Room B (NOTE: January and February 2009 programs in auditorium)
National Archives at College Park, Maryland
Genealogy Programs
Room G-24, Research Center
National Archives Building
Washington, DC
Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue
Book Group
Third Tuesday of February, March, May, September, October
(College Park, MD), and November
Room G-24, Research Center
National Archives Building
Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue