National Archives Celebrates American Political Cartoons April 13
Press Release · Thursday, March 17, 2011

Washington, DC

Program explores history of American Political Cartoons from 1754 through today

On Wednesday, April 13, at 7 PM, the National Archives will host a special program on American Political Cartoon History. This program is free and open to the public, and will take place in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, located on the National Mall at Constitution Ave. and 7th Street, NW. Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.

Beginning with Benjamin Franklin’s drawing in 1754, editorial cartoons have been a part of American journalism and politics. Using illustrations, Stephen Hess and Sandy Northrop will share insights from their book, American Political Cartoons: The Evolution of a National Identity 1754–2010. American Political Cartoons chronicles the nation’s highs and lows in an extensive collection of cartoons that span the entire history of American political cartooning—include a final chapter on the Bush and Obama years. A book signing will follow the program; the book is available at a discount from the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) before and during the event.

Sandy Northrop and Stephen Hess co-authors of the book "American Political Cartoons" preview their upcoming program at the National Archives.

Stephen Hess is senior fellow emeritus at the Brookings Institution. He worked on the staff of Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon, as well as an advisor to Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. He is the author of America’s Political Dynasties, Organizing the Presidency and numerous other publications on journalism and politics.

Sandy Northrop has worked within the Public Broadcasting System for over thirty years. She has produced and edited award-winning television programs on many topics and is a recognized authority on political cartoons.

The National Archives is fully accessible. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program please email public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 two weeks prior to the event to ensure proper arrangements are secured. To verify the date and times of the programs, 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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