Washington, DC - 12:00pm

The Taming of Free Speech: America’s Civil Liberties Compromise

In the early decades of the 20th century, business leaders condemned civil liberties as masks for subversive activity, while labor sympathizers denounced the courts as shills for industrial interests.

Washington, DC - 10:00am to 11:00am

Story Time in the ReSource Room for Pre-Schoolers and Adults

Join us for story time designed for 3- to 5-year-olds and accompanying adults.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm to 4:00pm

“Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Consultation

Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? Archivist Claire Kluskens is available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer your questions.

Washington, DC - 10:00am to 4:00pm

Constitution Day Family Activities

Celebrate in the home of this important document by participating in exciting, hands-on activities.

Washington, DC - 7:00pm

Constitution Day: The 10th Annual State of the Constitution—The Future of Policy Making

Celebrate Constitution Day with the 10th annual State of the Constitution program, which will focus on the future of policy making under our current constitutional system, against the backdrop of national elections.

Ann Arbor, MI - 3:00pm

The President and the Justice: A Look at the Legacy of John Paul Stevens

Yale Law School professor Linda Greenhouse spoke at the Ford Library on September 15 in commemoration of Constitution Day. A very attentive overflow crowd heard Ms. Greenhouse discuss President Ford's nomination of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court and his amazingly fast confirmation process. She opened with a quotation from a letter President Ford wrote in 1975 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Justice Stevens' appointment: "I am prepared to allow history's judgment of my term in office to rest, if necessary, exclusively on my nomination 30 years ago of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court." Greenhouse went on to describe his many contributions to the court, noting that he tended to offer nuance and was not doctrinaire in his views.

Ann Arbor, MI - 3:00pm

The President and the Justice: A Look at the Legacy of John Paul Stevens

Yale Law School professor Linda Greenhouse spoke at the Ford Library on September 15 in commemoration of Constitution Day. A very attentive overflow crowd heard Ms. Greenhouse discuss President Ford's nomination of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court and his amazingly fast confirmation process. She opened with a quotation from a letter President Ford wrote in 1975 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Justice Stevens' appointment: "I am prepared to allow history's judgment of my term in office to rest, if necessary, exclusively on my nomination 30 years ago of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court." Greenhouse went on to describe his many contributions to the court, noting that he tended to offer nuance and was not doctrinaire in his views.

Ann Arbor, MI - 1:00pm

The President and the Justice: A Look at the Legacy of John Paul Stevens

Yale Law School professor Linda Greenhouse spoke at the Ford Library on September 15 in commemoration of Constitution Day. A very attentive overflow crowd heard Ms. Greenhouse discuss President Ford's nomination of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court and his amazingly fast confirmation process. She opened with a quotation from a letter President Ford wrote in 1975 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Justice Stevens' appointment: "I am prepared to allow history's judgment of my term in office to rest, if necessary, exclusively on my nomination 30 years ago of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court." Greenhouse went on to describe his many contributions to the court, noting that he tended to offer nuance and was not doctrinaire in his views.

Ann Arbor, MI - 1:00pm

The President and the Justice: A Look at the Legacy of John Paul Stevens

Yale Law School professor Linda Greenhouse spoke at the Ford Library on September 15 in commemoration of Constitution Day. A very attentive overflow crowd heard Ms. Greenhouse discuss President Ford's nomination of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court and his amazingly fast confirmation process. She opened with a quotation from a letter President Ford wrote in 1975 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Justice Stevens' appointment: "I am prepared to allow history's judgment of my term in office to rest, if necessary, exclusively on my nomination 30 years ago of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court." Greenhouse went on to describe his many contributions to the court, noting that he tended to offer nuance and was not doctrinaire in his views.

Ann Arbor, MI - 11:00am

The President and the Justice: A Look at the Legacy of John Paul Stevens

Yale Law School professor Linda Greenhouse spoke at the Ford Library on September 15 in commemoration of Constitution Day. A very attentive overflow crowd heard Ms. Greenhouse discuss President Ford's nomination of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court and his amazingly fast confirmation process. She opened with a quotation from a letter President Ford wrote in 1975 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Justice Stevens' appointment: "I am prepared to allow history's judgment of my term in office to rest, if necessary, exclusively on my nomination 30 years ago of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court." Greenhouse went on to describe his many contributions to the court, noting that he tended to offer nuance and was not doctrinaire in his views.

Ann Arbor, MI - 11:00am

The President and the Justice: A Look at the Legacy of John Paul Stevens

Yale Law School professor Linda Greenhouse spoke at the Ford Library on September 15 in commemoration of Constitution Day. A very attentive overflow crowd heard Ms. Greenhouse discuss President Ford's nomination of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court and his amazingly fast confirmation process. She opened with a quotation from a letter President Ford wrote in 1975 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Justice Stevens' appointment: "I am prepared to allow history's judgment of my term in office to rest, if necessary, exclusively on my nomination 30 years ago of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court." Greenhouse went on to describe his many contributions to the court, noting that he tended to offer nuance and was not doctrinaire in his views.

Washington, DC - 2:00pm

What’s New at FamilySearch

FamilySearch provides free online access to over 2,079 record collections with 1.2 billion images, 5.36 billion searchable names, research assistance, genealogical education, community forums, and more.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

The Cold War: Law, Lawyers, Spies, and Crises

During the four decades of the Cold War, there were periods of intense crisis, when, almost by accident, the world was spared nuclear war.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon

New York Times bestselling author Larry Tye discusses his recent biography of Robert F. Kennedy, the former Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Presidential candidate.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon

New York Times bestselling author Larry Tye discusses his recent biography of Robert F. Kennedy, the former Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Presidential candidate. 

Washington, DC - 7:00pm

The People and the Police

After the 1968 riots in Washington, DC, the Office of Economic Opportunity produced a series of films about the Pilot District Project, created to foster the development of community programs.

Washington, DC - 5:30pm

Amending America Hands-on Adult Workshop

Enjoy a special after-hours viewing of our “Amending America” exhibit before joining presenter Kate Campbell Stevenson on an acting adventure as she brings the women’s suffrage movement to life.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

EVENT CANCELLED

The World According to Star Wars

Cass Sunstein explores the lessons of Star Wars as they relate to childhood, fathers, the Dark Side, rebellion, and redemption.

Washington, DC - 2:00pm

DC Emancipation Act

In 1862, the DC Emancipation Act freed enslaved persons in the District of Columbia. Damani Davis, archivist, discusses petitions filed by owners and slaves under the Act.

Washington, DC - 5:30pm

Escape Room! Hands-on Adult Workshop

Back by popular demand! Celebrate the NPS centennial. Tackle puzzles and ciphers about the National Park Service to solve a mystery in time during this “escape room” for adults.

Washington, DC - 10:00am

Featured Activities in ReSource Room

Celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Park Service by exploring documents and activities related to the more than 300 national parks across the United States.

Washington, DC - 7:00pm

Shared Legacies: Honoring the Black-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance

Deborah Lauter, director of civil rights for the Anti-Defamation League, moderates a panel on the legacy of the historic connection between the African American and Jewish communities.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

Brilliant Beacons: A History of the American Lighthouse

Eric Jay Dolin traces the evolution of America’s lighthouse system, highlighting the political, military, and technological battles that were fought to illuminate the nation’s hardscrabble coastlines.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

“Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Consultation

Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? Archivist Claire Kluskens is available to answer your questions. Sign up for first-come, first-served 20-minute appointments at the Microfilm Research

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

Black Sailors and Citizenship in the Era of the Gag Rule

Kate Masur, professor at Northwestern University, will discuss her book project, “Police Powers, the Anti-Slavery Movement, and the Origins of the Fourteenth Amendment.”

Washington, DC - 9:00am

July 4th Celebration

Celebrate Independence at the National Archives Building on the Constitution Avenue steps between 7th and 9th Streets.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

July 4th Celebration - Live musical performance by DC Legendary Musicians

Live musical performance by DC Legendary Musicians

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

July 4th Celebration - Live musical performance by PanLara Youth Steel Orchestra

12:00 noon: Live musical performance by PanLara Youth Steel Orchestra 2-5 p.m.: Transcribe-a-thon

Washington, DC - 10:00am

Constitution-in-Action Learning Lab Family Program

Take on the role of researchers and archivists for a day! During a two-hour simulation, help the President and Bob, his communications director, prepare for a very special press conference.

Washington, DC - 10:00am

Constitution-in-Action Learning Lab Family Program

Take on the role of researchers and archivists for a day! During a two-hour simulation, help the President and Bob, his communications director, prepare for a very special press conference.

Washington, DC - 7:00pm

The Equal Rights Amendment: Yesterday and Today

Written in 1921 by suffragist Alice Paul, the Equal Rights Amendment was introduced into every session of Congress between 1923 and 1972...

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

Dear Senator: Estes Kefauver and the Anti-Crime Crusade in the South

Tammy Ingram, associate professor of history at the College of Charleston, discusses her research and book project, The Wickedest City in America: Sex, Race, and Organized Crime in the Jim Crow South.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

First Dads: Parenting and Politics from George Washington to Barack Obama

Every President has had some experience as a parent. Of the 43 men who have served in the nation’s highest office, 38 have fathered biological children, and the other five adopted children.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

Jeremiah

On July 18, 1965, U.S. Navy Commander Jeremiah Denton took off from the aircraft carrier USS Independence to lead a 28-plane mission over the city of Thanh Hoa in North Vietnam.

Washington, DC - 7:00pm

Memorials for the Future

Washington, DC, offers a rich commemorative landscape filled with monuments that evoke a sense of national heritage and identity.

Washington, DC - 5:30pm

Escape Room! Adult Workshop

Tackle puzzles and ciphers about the National Park Service to solve a mystery during this “escape room” for adults.

Washington, DC - 12:00pm

Herbert Hoover in the White House: The Ordeal of the Presidency

Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, served one term, from 1929 to 1933.

Washington, DC - 2:00pm

U.S. Constitutional Amendments

Co-curator Christine Blackerby will discuss the records in our new exhibit, “Amending America,” which celebrates the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights.

Washington, DC - 10:00am to 4:00pm

Magna Carta Featured Activities in the ReSource Room

Celebrate one of the documents that set the foundation for our Bill of Rights and led to years of conversations about rights. June 1–30 (Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m.--4 p.m.)

Ann Arbor, MI - 3:00pm

The White House Vice Presidency: The Path to Significance, Mondale to Biden

Professor Joel Goldstein of the St. Louis University School of Law addressed an overflow crowd at the Ford Library on May 5 regarding his new book, The White House Vice Presidency: The Path to Significance, Mondale to Biden. Professor Goldstein described the Founding Fathers' initial visions for the position, and shared numerous anecdotes of how various individuals have viewed the role over the past 200 years. After years of conflicting expectations on the part of former presidents and the vice presidents themselves, Goldstein explained how the position has now become very powerful and essential to the implementation of the president's agenda and U.S. relationships with foreign leaders.