NARA Hosts Free Public Programs in October to Celebrate -BIG!- Exhibit
Press Release · Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Washington, DC

In October, the National Archives continues the celebration of its exhibition “BIG! Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Archives” with free public programs featuring a film screening and author lecture. Both programs will be held at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, which is fully accessible. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on the corner of 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. National Archives fall/winter exhibit hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

BIG! Film series screening: BIG
Saturday, October 17, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
In Big, Tom Hanks plays Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who has been transformed into a 35-year-old man by a wishing machine at a carnival. Directed by Penny Marshall. (1988, 104 minutes.) This program is presented by The Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film at the National Archives.

Book talk: Conquering the Sky: The Secret Flights of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk
Wednesday, October 28, at noon, Jefferson Room
Following their first powered flights in 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright enjoyed anonymity until 1908. In Conquering the Sky: The Secret Flights of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, Larry Tise describes how the Wright brothers were catapulted into unwanted fame by the press as they tried to prove the capabilities of their flying machines and obtain lucrative government contracts. Tise also discusses the repercussions of the flights in war and military technology. A book signing will follow the program, and the book is available from the Archives Shop. Call (202) 357-5271.

BIG! Exhibition

The National Archives celebrates its 75th year in 2009 with a new exhibition featuring big records, big events, and big ideas. At a time when many people struggle to see documents and images on smaller and smaller screens, the National Archives exhibition “BIG!” presents the nation’s original record in its full-scale glory. From the 13-foot scroll of the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, to the size 22 sneaker of basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, the items in the exhibition are pieces of the American story—writ large.

The exhibit, on display in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives Building, runs through January 3, 2010. Admission is free. BIG! related items are available in the Archives Shop. Call (202) 357-5271.

All programs are free and open to the public. To verify dates and times of the programs, call 202-357-5000 or view the Calendar of Events online. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, please e-mail public.program@nara.gov or call (202) 357-5000 at least two weeks prior to the event.

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

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