Press/Journalists

Press Release nr98-74
Press Release · Wednesday, August 24, 1814

Washington, DC

Press Release
April 30, 1998
National Archives Announces June Lecture and Booksigning Schedule

Washington, DC . . . In June, the National Archives and Records Administration presents free lectures, symposia, and booksignings that relate to the Presidency, the Civil War, the Cold War, and American design.

The programs are free and open to the public and will take place at the downtown National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. The public may verify times and dates by calling the National Archives public events line at 202-501-5000 (TDD users may call 202-501-5404).

Monday, June 8 - There’s No Business Like Show Business
Dwight Blocker Bowers, a performing arts historian at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, speaks on Irving Berlin’s career as a songwriter, publisher, and theatrical producer, which is one of the great success stories of 20th-century American culture. Noon. Room 105.

Tuesday, June 9 - Designs for Democracy
Faith Jackson will discuss Pioneer of Tropical Landscape Architecture: William Lyman Phillips in Florida, published by University Press of Florida. Phillips (1885-1966) played a seminal role in the landscaping of Florida and in the history of landscape architecture. Today’s program will be introduced by Washington architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen, who won Life magazine’s 1998 Dream House competition. Noon. Room 105.

Thursday, June 11 - Berlin and the Cold War
A day-long symposium on the Cold War, marking the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Blockade. Co-sponsored with the Council on Foreign Relations and Foreign Affairs journal, speakers will include Stephen Ambrose, Michael Beschloss, Douglas Brinkley, Ernest May, Peter Grose, Gordon Craig, Dick Murphy, Ronald Prussen, and others. Free. Advance registration required. Please phone 202-208-7345. 9 A.M.-5 P.M. Theater.

Monday, June 15 - Presidency series
Robert H. Ferrell, professor of history at Indiana University, will discuss his new biography, The Presidency of Calvin Coolidge. "Coolidge here emerges for the first time as a three-dimensional figure, a man of genuine idealism, powerful emotions, and a coherent if limited philosophy of government." --Richard Norton Smith, Director, Gerald Ford Museum. University Press of Kansas. Noon. Room 105.

Tuesday, June 16 - Abraham Lincoln Documents
A year ago, Thomas and Beverly Lowry began systematically reviewing the 80,000 courts-martial of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Thus far, they have found 570 writings in President Abraham Lincoln’s own hand never before uncovered, the largest find of Lincoln documents in 50 years. Archivist Michael Musick, a Civil War specialist, will introduce the program. Noon. Room 105.

Monday June 29 - Civil War series
Kevin Conley Ruffner, a historian for the Central Intelligence Agency and author of Maryland’s Blue and Grey: A Border State’s Union and Confederate Junior Officer Corps, will discuss the Civil War in Maryland and the conflicting loyalties between the Federal Union and the new Confederate States of America. Published by Louisiana State University. Michael Musick, archivist and Civil War specialist, introduces the program. Theater. Noon.

Monday, June 29 - Battle of Gettysburg Anniversary
Mark Perry will discuss Conceived in Liberty: Joshua Chamberlain, William Oates, and the American Civil War, at the center of which is the Battle of Little Round Top, a contest that decided the Battle of Gettysburg. Chamberlain later served several terms as the Governor of Maine; Oates later was elected to the U.S. Congress and became Governor of Alabama. Published by Viking. 1 P.M. Room 105. (Follows above lecture.)

Sunday, June 28 - Walking Tour Recalling Washington in 1814
On August 24, 1814, the British marched into Washington and set fire to the President’s House, the Capitol, and most of the public buildings. Anthony S. Pitch, author of The Burning of Washington: The British Invasion of 1814, will conduct a walking tour following the route taken by the British military forces as they torched Washington. Tour is limited to 30 participants and requires prepayment, which must be received by June 12. Tour leaves rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes (distance is approximately 3 miles, no transportation provided). Meeting place and additional information will be provided upon payment. No refunds or cancellations. Fee is $25 and includes a copy of the book ($32.95 value) signed by the author. Call 202-208-7345 to make payments by telephone or for further information. 10 A.M.-12:30 P.M.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

98-74

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