Press Release
Press Release · Tuesday, April 20, 1999

Washington, DC . . . In June the National Archives and Records Administration presents film screenings relating to National History Day and the major exhibition Picturing the Century: One Hundred Years of Photography from the National Archives.

The screenings will be held in the theater of the National Archives Building, Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, and in the auditorium of the National Archives at College Park, which is located at 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD. All programs are free and open to the public. Free parking is available at the National Archives at College Park. The times and dates may be verified by calling the National Archives public events line at 201-501-5000. The hearing impaired should call TDD 202-501-5404 for information.

Please Note: The theater at the downtown National Archives Building is equipped with a system that allows the hearing-impaired to use a set of headphones, or neck loop and a small receiver, to enhance the volume of the public address system. Visitors may request these devices in the projection booth.

Washington, DC Events

Friday, June 11—Picturing the Century
Alfred Eisenstaedt: Photographer, released in 1998. This documentary is a behind-the-scenes look at the character and style of one of the most important photojournalists of the 20th century, LIFE magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt. A film by David Hoffman and Scott Sorensen. (30 minutes.)

Portrait of Imogen, released in 1986. The 75-year-long professional career of photographer Imogen Cunningham is profiled in this Academy Award–nominated film. Directed by Meg Partridge. (30 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Friday, June 18—Science and Technology
Hoover Dam, released in 1997. Following the National History Day theme, we present this documentary about one of the most impressive feats of 20th-century engineering. Rising above the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam created a reliable source of water for the Imperial Valley while generating desperately needed electricity for its growing population. Hoover Dam also chronicles the extraordinary contributions of ordinary men to this Depression-era symbol of hope and progress. Written, produced, and directed by Stephen Stept. From "The American Experience" series. (60 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

Friday, June 25—Anniversary Screening
The Quiet One, released in 1949. Fifty years ago, this classic documentary was the first major American film to use a black youth as its protagonist and one of the first nonfiction films to deal with issues of racism and black poverty in America. A candid look at a world of social problems for one 10-year-old boy, The Quiet One reveals a child's life and state of mind growing up alone on the streets of Harlem. Directed by Sidney Meyers. (67 minutes.) Noon. Theater.

College Park, MD Films (For descriptions of College Park films, see above listings)

Wednesday, June 9
Alfred Eisenstaedt, Photographer (30 minutes) and Portrait of Imogen (30 minutes) Noon.

Wednesday, June 16
Hoover Dam (60 minutes) Noon.

Wednesday, June 23
The Quiet One (67 minutes) Noon.

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

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