Featured Programs

The National Archives Experience is proud to offer a selection of streaming video programs from our public program repertoire. Webcasting is an outreach initiative of the National Archives Experience, supported by the Foundation for the National Archives.

Interior of the William G. McGowan Theater

Interior of the William G. McGowan Theater

The views and opinions expressed in the featured programs do not necessarily state or reflect those of the National Archives & Records Administration.

Abolition and the Road to Freedom

200th Anniversary of the Slave Trade Act of 1808

The Slave Trade Act of 1808, passed by Congress in March of 1807, became effective January 1, 1808. On January 10, 2008 the Center for the National Archives Experience held a day-long symposium to commemorate its 200th anniversary and raise awareness of the slave trade, its abolition, and its impact on United States history and culture.

Session Videos and More from the Slave Trade Symposium

American Conversations with Archivist Allen Weinstein

American Conversations with the Archivist of the United States

American Conversations is a series of informal conversations between the Archivist and people who've shaped the dialogue about the interpretation and use of American heritage. Conversations with Barbara Bush, John Hope Franklin, Ken Burns, Lindy Boggs and Cokie Roberts, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Lonnie Bunch, and Lynne Cheney are available for viewing.

Conversation Videos and More from American Conversations

Panel from left to right Mark Mellman, Judith Best, Gordon Wood, David Broder, George Edwards III, and Ed Goeas

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? On May 21, 2008 the National Archives Experience presented a program examining this important and timely topic.

Videos from Electoral College: The Debate Continues

Drew Gilpin Faust

This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War

On January 9, 2008, Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust spoke on her newest book, This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War. Faust’s book is an illuminating study of the American struggle to comprehend the meaning and practicalities of death in the face of the unprecedented carnage of the Civil War. Dr. Faust took audience questions after her talk.