American Presidency Lecture Series In February
Press Release · Monday, January 6, 2003

Washington, DC

In February, the National Archives and Records Administration presents a series of lectures and a special symposium relating to the American Presidency.

The programs are free and open to the public and will take place in Room 105 at the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Due to limited seating in Room 105 of the National Archives Building, reservations are recommended. Call (202) 208-7345. 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.

Thursday, February 6 - The American Presidency Series
Pulitzer Prize-winner Roger Wilkins will discuss his book, Jefferson's Pillow: The Founding Fathers and the Dilemma of Black Patriotism. Analyzing the lives of Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and fellow Virginians George Mason and James Madison, Mr. Wilkins discusses how class, education, and personality allowed for the institution of slavery. Mr. Wilkins is the Robinson Professor of History and American Culture at George Mason University. 7 p.m.

Wednesday, February 12 - The American Presidency Series Symposium
Authors, archivists, and historians gather to discuss "Through the Perilous Night: The American President and the Coming of War" in a series of panel discussions and lectures. Speakers include authors Allen Weinstein, Louis Fisher, and Robert H. Ferrell. Reception follows. Reservations are strongly recommended. Noon-7 p.m.

Thursday, February 13 - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"Little House in the National Archives." Constance Potter, genealogy specialist at the National Archives and Records Administration, will discuss Laura Ingalls Wilder, her family, and the communities where they lived through Federal records housed at the National Archives. Noon.

Tuesday, February 25 - The American Presidency Series
Roy Morris, Jr., discusses "Fraud of the Century: Rutherford B. Hayes, Samuel Tilden, and the Stolen Election of 1876." In some ways the election of 1876 was the last battle of the Civil War as the two political parties fought to preserve or overturn what had been decided by armies 11 years earlier. Mr. Tilden brings to life the colorful personalities and high drama of this remarkable election, decided after four months of intrigue and threats of violence that brought armed troops into the streets of the nation's capital. Co-sponsored by the National Portrait Gallery. 7 p.m.

Thursday, February 27 - The American Presidency Series
The unprecedented events of election night 2000 and the 36 days that followed revealed the role that preconceptions play in press interpretation and the impact of network overconfidence in polls. Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Paul Waldman will discuss their book, The Press Effect: Politicians, Journalists, and the Stories That Shape the Political World. Mr. Waldman and Ms. Jamieson critique the press's role in mediating between politicians and the citizens they are supposed to serve. Noon.