May 2008
Washington, DC, Area Events

Program Highlights

• Electoral College
  David Broder moderates a panel discussion about the merits of the Electoral College. (May 21)
• American Conversation with Cokie Roberts
  The Archivist welcomes Cokie Roberts to discuss her newest book, Ladies of Liberty. (May 7)
• Women’s History
  David Patterson discusses his book The Search for Negotiated Peace. (May 7)
• Lyndon B. Johnson Centennial
  In conjunction with the celebration of LBJ’s 100th birthday, we will show the film The Journey of Lyndon Johnson. (May 22)
• Running for Office
  Programs complementing our new exhibit “Running for Office: Candidates, Campaigns, and the Cartoons of Clifford Berryman”: Animated Political Cartoons (May 8); screening of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (May 31); and “On the Campaign Trail” family day (May 31).
• U.S. Naval History
  Two programs explore the early history of the U.S. Navy. (May 9, 29)
• Know Your Records Programs
  A variety of programs explore records held by the National Archives. (May 1, 17, 20, 22)

Electoral College

Wednesday, May 21, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
Electoral College: The Debate Continues
In the wake of the Presidential election of 2000, the value of the Electoral College has been questioned and debated. Does the Founding Fathers’ vision still apply today, or should this system be reevaluated? Join journalist David Broder as he moderates a distinguished panel representing both sides of the issue. Panelists include Judith Best, political science professor at the State University of New York, Courtland, and author of The Choice of the People? Debating the Electoral College; George Edwards III, political science professor at Texas A & M University and author of Why the Electoral College is Bad for America; Gordon Wood, professor of history at Brown University; Ed Goeas, president and CEO of The Terrance Group; and Mark Mellman, president and CEO of The Mellman Group. Archivist Allen Weinstein will offer opening remarks, and Raymond Mosley, Director of the Office of the Federal Register, will discuss how this office coordinates the functions of the Electoral College.

American Conversation

Wednesday, May 7, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
Cokie Roberts: Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation
Archivist Allen Weinstein welcomes Cokie Roberts to discuss her newest book, Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation. Cokie Roberts tells the story of remarkable women and their achievements in moving the fledgling nation forward. She reveals the often surprising and compelling stories of determined and passionate women who faced the challenges of the times and laid the groundwork for a better society. Drawing on personal correspondence, private journals, and other primary sources, Roberts captures the heart and soul of the American spirit and offers new insights on the women who have helped make our nation great. A book signing will follow the program.

More about the American Conversations series

Women’s History

Wednesday, May 7, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
The Search for Negotiated Peace: Women's Activism and Citizen Diplomacy in World War I
Author David Patterson discusses his book The Search for Negotiated Peace, the gripping story of the events that moved high-profile American and European citizens, particularly women, into the international peace movement in reaction to the massive carnage of World War I. These activists put forth proposals for changing the international system of negotiation and developing a “new diplomacy.” The Search for Negotiated Peace tells the story of the social history of World War I and the foundations of citizen activism today. A book signing will follow the program.

Lyndon B. Johnson Centennial

Thursday, May 22, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
The Journey of Lyndon Johnson
In conjunction with the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library & Museum’s year-long celebration of LBJ’s 100th birthday, The Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film at the National Archives presents The Journey of Lyndon Johnson, produced in 1974 by Guggenheim Productions, Inc., for the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation. The film expertly weaves archival film and photographs to chronicle Johnson’s remarkable life, career, and service to his country. Harry McPherson, who served as Johnson’s special counsel from 1965 to 1969, will introduce and take audience questions afterwards. Executive produced by Charles Guggenheim. Directed by Robert Pierce. Narrated by Melvyn Douglas. (51 minutes.)

For more information on Johnson Centennial events, please visit www.lbj100.org.

Running for Office

The Center for the National Archives Experience is pleased to present programs in celebration of our new exhibit, “Running for Office: Candidates, Campaigns, and the Cartoons of Clifford Berryman,” which runs through August 17 in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery.

Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
An Evening with Kevin “KAL” Kallaugher: Moving Political Cartoons from Page to Screen
Tonight, Berryman Award–winning editorial cartoonist Kevin “KAL” Kallaugher will present an illustrated lecture tracing the evolution of political cartoons from two-dimensional print to 3D animation. Kallaugher’s work for the Baltimore Sun and the Economist has appeared in more than 100 publications worldwide. In 2007 he launched Kaltoons LLC, which pioneered the development of animated, 3D digital caricatures. Kaltoons’ first video, Dancin’ Dubya, was released on the web in August 2007. A signing of his latest collection of cartoons, KAL Draws Criticism, published in June 2006, will follow the program.

Saturday, May 31, at 3 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
Running for Office Film Series—Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
An idealistic Senate replacement takes on political corruption in this classic film from director Frank Capra. Today’s screening will be shown on 35mm film. Stars James Stewart. (1939, 125 minutes)

The Running for Office film series is generously supported by Chevy Chase Bank.

Saturday, May 31, noon to 3 p.m.
Presidential Conference Rooms and Boeing Learning Center
On the Campaign Trail Family Day
In celebration of our exhibit “Running for Office: Candidates, Campaigns, and the Cartoons of Clifford Berryman,” the National Archives presents an afternoon of fun family activities to show what life is like “On the Campaign Trail.”

• Make a campaign button or bumper sticker
• Deliver an election speech or debate an opponent
• Test your knowledge on all things “Presidential”
• Fill out your own voting ballot
• Have an Archival Adventure
• Learn about election board games
• Watch Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (3 p.m.)

View the Running for Office Online Exhibit

U.S. Naval History

The National Archives Experience is pleased to present these programs in partnership with the United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center.

Friday, May 9, at noon
Jefferson Room
Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy
In 1805 the world’s waterways were dominated by a massive and elite British naval force. But in less than a decade, it would be humbled by an inferior U.S. Navy. In his first book, Ian W. Toll discusses the origins of today’s formidable naval fleet, the heroism of its captains, the tenacity of its officers, and six astonishing ships. A book signing will follow the program.

Thursday, May 29, at noon
Jefferson Room
If By Sea: The Forging of the American Navy—from the Revolution to the War of 1812
George C. Daughan discusses the early history of the U.S. Navy in his book, If By Sea: The Forging of the American Navy—from the Revolution to the War of 1812. When the American colonies took up arms against Great Britain, they were confronting the greatest sea power of the age. The fledgling navy had to prove itself not only on the seas but also to a reluctant American government. A book signing will follow the program.

Know Your Records Programs: May

Thursday, May 1, at 11 a.m.
Lecture Room B, National Archives at College Park, MD
19th-Century Nonpopulation Census Schedules
Archives specialists Rebecca Sharp and Katherine Vollen will discuss how to use these often overlooked Federal records to enhance your genealogical and historical research.

Saturday, May 17, 10:15 a.m.–1:45 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater (Use the Special Events entrance)
An Introduction to Genealogy: An African American Perspective
Deborah Daniels, American Legacy magazine, and Reginald Washington, staff archivist, will present a workshop on basic genealogical research and techniques. They will discuss the use of oral history, pedigree charts, family group sheets, and other resources including Federal, state, and local records available for African American family research. Reservations are required, and a fee of $20 is payable by cash or check at the door. Call 202-357-5333.

Tuesday, May 20, at 11 a.m.
Room G-24, Research Center (Enter on Pennsylvania Avenue)
The National Register of Scientific and Technical Personnel
Paula Larich, an archivist in the Center for Electronic Records at the National Archives, will discuss records of the National Register of Scientific and Technical Personnel. This agency provided the Federal Government with information regarding the name, location, and technical expertise of scientists and engineers during the early Cold War. (This lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, on Thursday, May 22, at 11 a.m.)

Exhibits

Permanent Exhibits

Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom:The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are on permanent display in the Rotunda. "A New World Is at Hand" surrounds the Rotunda's centerpiece cases. Presenting a selection of milestone documents, the exhibit chronicles the creation of the Charters of Freedom in the 18th century and their impact on the course of history in the United States and around the world.

The Public Vaults: This interactive exhibit invites visitors into the stacks and vaults of the National Archives to explore the raw material from which history is made. From Washington's letters, Lincoln's telegrams, and FDR's fireside chats to UFO reports and declassified secrets of World War II, these documents chronicle both great national events and the lives of individual Americans.

Magna Carta: This foundation document of English common law was confirmed by Edward I in 1297. Only four originals of the 1297 Magna Carta remain, and only one permanently resides in the United States. Purchased by David M. Rubenstein in 2007, it is on loan to the National Archives. West Rotunda Gallery.

Special Exhibit
Running for Office: Candidates, Campaigns, and the Cartoons of Clifford Berryman
Just in time for the Presidential campaign, political cartoons from the first half of the 20th century provide relevant commentary and fascinating insight into the campaigns and elections of today. In the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery, through August 17.

View the Running for Office Online Exhibit

Special Exhibit in College Park, Maryland

Auditorium Lobby at the National Archives Research Center:

"The Long View" features digitally produced facsimiles of historic panoramic photographs from the Still Picture holdings.

The exhibit not only showcases the wide variety of panoramic techniques, but also includes National Archives records such as cartographic maps and patent drawings that relate to the photographs. Thirty-four panoramas and other records are on display and span the period from 1864 to 1997.
See more panoramas online.

Online Exhibits

Dozens of exhibits can be experienced online. Visit Now!

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