National Archives Celebrates Arab-American Heritage Month
Press Release · Thursday, October 4, 2007

Washington, DC

The National Archives will celebrate Arab-American Heritage Month in November with a special book talk, film screening, and program. These events are free and open to the public and will be held at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, which is located on the National Mall at Constitution Ave. and 7th Street, NW. The building is fully accessible.

Book Talk - Air Combat: An Oral History of Fighter Pilots
Wednesday, November 7, at noon, Jefferson Room
Robert F. Dorr discusses his book Air Combat: An Oral History of Fighter Pilots, with special emphasis on the remarkable career of Arab American fighter pilot Col. James Jabara. Jabara was the prototypical fighter pilot. Though only five feet five inches tall, Jabara was larger than life and became the world’s first jet ace—the first to destroy five enemy jets in combat during the Korean conflict.

Documentary Film - Out of Place: Memories of Edward Said
Thursday, November 8, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Borrowing its title from his 2000 memoir, this 2005 documentary traces the life and work of Edward Said (1935–2003), the Palestinian-born intellectual who wrote widely on history, literature, music, philosophy, and politics. Out of Place traces Said’s childhood influences and celebrates his intellectual legacy, especially the importance of his work in literary criticism and postcolonial studies, his love of music, his role on the Palestinian National Council, and his troubled relationship with Yasir Arafat. The film imaginatively blends readings from Said’s memoir and other key writings, family home movies dating back to 1947, and interviews with Arab, Israeli, and American thinkers such as Elias Khoury, Azmi Bishara, Daniel Barenboim, and Noam Chomsky. The screening will be introduced by James Zogby, founder and president of the Arab-American Institute. (140 minutes. In English, Arabic, and Hebrew with English subtitles.)

An American Conversation with James Zogby
Thursday, November 8, at 7 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater
Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein welcomes James Zogby for a discussion focusing on Arab American heritage. A lecturer and scholar on Middle East issues, U.S.-Arab relations, and the history of the Arab American community, Zogby is founder and president of the Arab American Institute (AAI), a Washington, D.C.-based organization that serves as a major political and policy center on Arab American issues.

To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call the Public Programs Line at: (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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