Special Programs Highlight National Archives Records in February and March
Press Release · Thursday, February 4, 2010

Washington, DC

In February and March, the National Archives will feature programs highlighting records from its holdings. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted, and will be held in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Please note that three of the programs will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland, in Lecture Room B.

Visitors to all programs in the National Archives Building Research Center (Room G-24) should use the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Visitors to programs in the Adams and Jefferson Rooms of the National Archives Building should use the Special Events Entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th St. The National Archives at College Park, MD, is located at 8601 Adelphi Road. See directions to both locations.

Tuesday, February 9, at 11 a.m., Room G-24, Research Center
African American Genealogy in Ancestry.com
Sabrina Petersen of Ancestry.com discusses African American genealogy resources in National Archives records available through Ancestry.com. (The lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, on Thursday, February 11, at 11 a.m.)

Tuesday, February 16, at 11 a.m., Room G-24, Research Center
“Face to Face with History”: African American Civil War Surgeons
Jill L. Newmark, exhibition specialist and registrar in the History of Medicine Division at the National Library of Medicine, discusses her article “Face to Face with History” from the Fall 2009 issue of Prologue magazine. She shares her discovery of William P. Powell, Jr.’s story as an African American surgeon during the Civil War and how National Archives records provide a glimpse into a rarely studied part of history. (The lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, Thursday, February 18, at 11 a.m.)

Wednesday, February 17, at 11 a.m., Room G-24, Research Center
Beyond the Basics: African American Genealogy
Archives staff teach “beyond the basic” archival research skills on the third Wednesday and third Saturday of the month.

Saturday, February 20, at 10 a.m., Room G-24, Research Center
Beyond the Basics: Finding Aids
Archives staff teach “beyond the basic” archival research skills on the third Wednesday and third Saturday of the month. The next lecture is Wednesday, March 17, on non-population census schedules.

Saturday, February 20, noon–4 p.m., Room G-24, Research Center
“Help! I’m Stuck”
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? Hoping to explore new directions in your research? On the third Saturday of each month, an archivist is available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer questions. Look for the “Help! I’m Stuck” sign at the Research Center desk.

Tuesday, February 23, at 11 a.m., Adams Room
George Washington in the Records
Prior to thenoontimeBook Group discussion, and in celebration of George Washington’s birthday, Archives Technician Timothy Duskin, explores the many records held at the National Archives on the first President of the United States. (The lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, on Thursday, February 25, at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, February 23, at noon, Adams Room
From the Records Book Group Discussion: The Valley Forge Winter: Civilians and Soldiers in War
The Book Group discusses The Valley Forge Winter: Civilians and Soldiers in War by Wayne K. Bodle. Please check the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) for book availability and a special discount. The March 16th book selection will be Our Mother’s War: American Women at Home and at the Front during World War II by Emily Yellin.

Wednesday, March 3, at 11 a.m., Room G-24, Research Center
Introduction to Genealogy
Archives staff will introduce attendees to basic genealogical research in Federal records. This lecture occurs the first Wednesday of the month (the next one will be Wednesday, April 7).

Tuesday, March 9, 9:30 a.m., –12:30 p.m., Jefferson Room
Discovering Women’s History Workshop
Genealogists Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens and Marie Varrelman Melchiori lead a workshop on researching women in history based on Civil War ancestors and their records. Reservations are required, and a fee of $20 is payable by cash or check (payable to NATF) at the door. E-mail KYR@nara.gov or call 202-357-5333.

Tuesday, March 16, at 11 a.m., Adams Room
Motion Pictures of Women in World War II
Prior to th enoon time Book Group discussion, motion pictures from National Archives holdings related to women in World War II will be screened, including “Glamour Girls of 1943,” “Women in Defense,” and “Furlough.”

Tuesday, March 16, at noon, Adams Room
From the Records Book Group Discussion: Our Mother’s War: American Women at Home and at the Front During World War II
Following the related film presentation, the Book Group discusses Our Mother’s War by Emily Yellin. Please check the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) for book availability and a special discount for book group participants. The May book selection will be Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson.

Wednesday, March 17, at 11 a.m., Room G-24, Research Center
Beyond the Basics: Non Population Census Schedules
Archives staff teach “beyond the basic” genealogy research skills. This month’s topic of interest will be non population census schedules. The next lecture will take place during the Annual Genealogy Fair on April 14 and 15.

Saturday, March 20, at 10 a.m., Room G-24, Research Center
Beyond the Basics: National Archives Finding Aids
Archives staff teach “beyond the basic” genealogy research skills on the third Wednesday and third Saturday of the month. The next lecture will take place during the Annual Genealogy Fair on April 14 and 15.

Saturday, March 20, noon–4 p.m., Room G-24, Research Center
“Help! I’m Stuck”
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? Would you like to explore new directions in your research? On the third Saturday of the month, an archivist is available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer questions. Look for the “Help! I’m Stuck” sign at the Research Center desk.

Both Archives facilities are fully accessible. 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. To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call 202-357-5333, or view the Calendar of Events online.

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

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