Press/Journalists

Media Alert: Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives
Press Release · Monday, May 22, 2006

Washington, DC

Media Alert
May 22, 2006

Special Press Preview of New Exhibition

WHAT: A special press "sneak preview" and breakfast to launch the National Archives new major exhibition, "Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives."

The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, June 23, in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. It is a highlight of the city-wide summer 2006 cultural tourism initiative known as "American Originals."

WHO:

  • Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein
  • The Honorable John Lewis, House of Representatives, who is featured in the exhibition
  • Exhibit Curator Stacey Bredhoff

WHERE: The Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives Building, Washington, DC

Media should use the 700 Pennsylvania Avenue entrance

WHEN: Thursday, June 22, 2006, 10:30 a.m.

The free exhibition will be on display through January 1, 2007. The National Archives is located on the National Mall on Constitution Avenue at 9th Street, NW. Spring hours are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily.

Background:

Firsthand original accounts in "EYEWITNESS" chronicle some of the most dramatic moments in history: the storming of the Bastille in Paris during the French Revolution, the explosion of the Hindenburg, and the assassination of President Kennedy. Gripping and emotional, they capture the exuberance, grief, joy, panic, or chaos that characterized the events described. Many of these accounts, never before exhibited, offer a fresh and surprising perspective on familiar events.

Highlights include:

  • Letter from George Washington to John Hancock re: bioterrorism (small pox), December 4, 1775.
  • Lady Bird Johnson’s Diary excerpt describing the events of November 22, 1963
  • Testimony of John Lewis in Court Case resulting from 1965 March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in support of voting rights.
See the Press Release for more information about the exhibit.

# # #

For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (202) 357-5300.

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