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National Archives Holds Records-related Programs in September and October 2012
Press Release · Thursday, August 30, 2012

Washington, DC

In September and October, the National Archives “Know Your Records” program presents programs highlighting Federal records from its holdings ranging from an 1899 military mission in the Philippines to Army service in the War of 1812. All programs are free and open to the public, and will be held in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Please note that five of the programs will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

Programs will be held in Room G-25 of the National Archives Building Research Center and Lecture Room B of the National Archives at College Park, MD beginning at 11 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Visitors should use the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. The National Archives at College Park, MD, is located at 8601 Adelphi Road. See directions to both locations.

Tuesday, September 4 — Gallantry Undistinguished: A 30-Year Struggle Documented
Jonathan Webb Deiss describes records found throughout the National Archives while researching 150 soldiers promised Medals of Honor for an 1899 mission in the Philippines and their unrequited glory. (Repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Friday, September 7, at 11 a.m.)

Wednesday, September 5 — Introduction to Genealogy
Rebecca Sharp, genealogy specialist, will discuss Federal records of interest to beginning genealogists for our first Wednesday of the month lecture.

Tuesday, September 11 — Finding Place of Birth in Federal Records
Susannah E. Brooks explains where one might find place of birth in National Archives records. which is essential for additional research at the local and state level in the U.S. and abroad. (Repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, September 13, at 11 a.m.)

Saturday, September 15, noon–4 p.m. — “Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Clinic
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? An archivist is available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer your questions. Sign up for a 20-minute appointment at the Microfilm Research desk on Saturday.

Wednesday, September 19 — Beyond the Basics Genealogy: African Americans
Damani Davis, archivist, will discuss Federal records of interest for African American genealogy for our third Wednesday of the month lecture.

Tuesday, September 25 — Everything You Wanted to Know About Fold3
Learn tips on how to use Fold3 (formerly Footnote.com), which features searchable original documents mainly from the National Archives. (Repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, September 27, at 11 a.m.)

Tuesday, October 2 — Searching Online Public Access (OPA)
Learn how to search and refine results, tag records, share searches, and zoom and pan online
in OPA. This new online catalog will replace the current Archival Research Catalog (ARC). (Repeated at National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, October 4, at 11 a.m.)

Wednesday, October 3 — Introduction to Genealogy
Katherine Vollen, archives specialist, will discuss Federal records of interest to beginning genealogists for our first Wednesday of the month lecture.

Tuesday, October 16 — The Real Widows of the Pension Office
Pamela Loos-Noji shares the contents of widows’ pension files and discusses the amazing stories she has found while volunteering at the National Archives. (Repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, October 18, at 11 a.m.)

Wednesday, October 17 — Beyond the Basics Genealogy: War of 1812
John Deeben, genealogy specialist, reviews Federal records relating to Army service in the War of 1812 for our third Wednesday of the month lecture.

Saturday, October 20, at 10 a.m. — Beyond the Basics Genealogy: Census Search Strategies
Claire Kluskens discusses census search strategies in this archival research skills lecture for our third Saturday of the month lecture.

Saturday, October 27, noon to 4 p.m. — “Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Clinic
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? An archivist is available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer your questions. Sign up for a 20-minute appointment at the Microfilm Research desk on Saturday.

Background on “Know Your Records” programs

The National Archives holds the permanently valuable records of the Federal Government. These include records of interest to genealogists, such as pension files, ship passenger lists, census and Freedmen’s Bureau materials. The “Know Your Records Program” offers opportunities for staff, volunteers, and researchers to learn about these records through lectures, ongoing genealogy programs, workshops, symposia, the annual genealogy fair, an online genealogy tutorial (PowerPoint file), reference reports for genealogical research, and editions of Researcher News for Washington, DC, area researchers.

The National Archives Building and the National Archives at College Park are fully accessible. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, please send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 at least two weeks prior to the event. To verify dates and times of the programs, call 202-357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events online. To contact the National Archives, please call 1-866-272-6272 or 1-86-NARA-NARA (TDD 301-837-0482).

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

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