National Archives Presents Free Public Programs Related to New Exhibit 'School House to White House'
Press Release · Thursday, March 1, 2007

Washington, DC

Washington, DC…In April, the National Archives will present a series of public programming highlighting various aspects of U.S. Presidents’ lives inspired by its new multi-media exhibition "School House to White House: The Education of the Presidents." The exhibition opens in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC on Friday, March 30, 2007 and runs through January 1, 2008. Spring hours (March 15 through Labor Day) are 10 A.M. – 7 P.M. daily.

The programs are free and open to the public. For information on National Archives Public Programs, call 202-357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events online. The William G. McGowan Theater and the Jefferson room are located in the National Archives Building on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC. Use the National Archives Building Special Events entrance on the corner of 7th Street and Constitution Avenue.

"School House to White House: The Education of the Presidents." This family-friendly exhibition focuses on the early education of American Presidents from Herbert Hoover through George W. Bush and features documents and artifacts from the National Archives’ Presidential Libraries.

Wednesday, April 11-The Summer of 1787
Noon, Jefferson Room
David O. Stewart will discuss his new book, The Summer of 1787: The Men Who Invented the Constitution. George Washington presided; James Madison kept the notes; Benjamin Franklin offered words of wisdom at crucial times. The Summer of 1787 traces the struggles within the Philadelphia Convention as the delegates hammered out the charter for the world’s first constitutional democracy. The author will be introduced by Jennifer Nichols, exhibit coordinator of "School House to White House."

Sunday, April 15-Family Day Celebration: “Presidential School Days”
11a.m.–2p.m., William G. McGowan Theater and Lobby
Come to the National Archives for a day of fun family activities featuring themes that helped shape the Presidents’ young lives as schoolchildren. Presented in partnership with the Foundation for the National Archives.

Listen to Tunes-In the spirit of our Presidents’ varied musical talents, listen to area high school choral and instrumental ensembles.

Lead a Cheer -Create a spirit pennant and learn a cheer to motivate the team! Meet Screech, mascot of the Washington Nationals, from noon to 1 p.m.!

Use Your Noodle-Participate in a Quiz Bowl to test your knowledge about American history and Presidents.

Enjoy a Treat-Sample some of the Presidents’ favorite snacks from their younger years. See if your favorite food matches theirs!

Preserve a Memory-Learn how to preserve your school memories while creating a scrapbook page. An archivist will teach you how to care for special documents and pictures so that they will last a lifetime.

Film Favorites-This month, the National Archives will begin monthly screenings of some of the favorite movies of 20th-century Presidents.

Sunday, April 15-Family Film: The Karate Kid
2:30 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater
Repeat Screening: Friday, April 20, at 11 a.m.
A favorite of President George H.W. Bush, this crowd-pleasing 1984 film features Ralph Macchio as a teenager beset by bullies until an unlikely mentor teaches him about self-confidence—and karate. Also stars Noriyuki “Pat” Morita and Elizabeth Shue. Directed by John G. Avildsen. Rated PG.  (127 minutes.)

Thursday, April 26-Nixon and Kissinger
7 p.m.,William G. McGowan Theater
Join acclaimed author Robert Dallek as he discusses his book Nixon and Kissinger: Partners in Power. Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger were two of the most compelling, contradictory, and important leaders in America in the second half of the 20th century. Tapping into recently disclosed documents and tapes, Dallek uncovers fascinating details about their tumultuous personal relationship and the extent to which they struggled to outdo each other in foreign policy achievements. Sharon Fawcett, Assistant Archivist for Presidential Libraries will introduce the author.

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

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