The National Archives Presents Noontime Programs in December
Press Release · Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Washington, DC

The National Archives will present five noontime programs in December, on topics ranging the White House to Gibraltar, and from Aaron Burr to President John F. Kennedy. 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. The building is fully accessible. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at Seventh Street, NW.

Friday, December 2, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
From the Vaults: The WPA
This selection of short films was produced by the Federal government to promote the New Deal programs of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Films include Hands (1934), generally considered to be the first Government film to convey a message artistically, and We Work Again (1936), a short film on the employment of African Americans in WPA projects. (70 minutes).

Tuesday, December 6, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
American Emperor: Aaron Burr’s Challenge to Jefferson’s America
Attorney and author David O. Stewart discusses Aaron Burr in his book, American Emperor With his political career in tatters following his indictment for Alexander Hamilton’s murder, Burr plotted an insurrection and invasion of the Spanish colonies of Mexico and Florida, but was arrested and charged with treason by President Jefferson. 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.

Wednesday, December 7, at noon, Jefferson Room
Pacific Gibraltar: US–Japanese Rivalry Over the Annexation of Hawaii, 1885–1889
Professor William Michael Morgan discusses his book Pacific Gibraltar and the results of the Japan–U.S. crisis of 1897, when the Japanese sent warships to Honolulu to oppose the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands by the United States during the Spanish-American War. As Japan began pushing for voting rights for its nationals living and working on the islands, tensions rose between the two countries. 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.

Tuesday, December 13, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero
Bestselling author Chris Matthews weaves first-hand accounts of John F. Kennedy together to tell the tale of how Kennedy grew from a child of privilege into a war hero and finally became President of the United States, all the while coping with a life-threatening disease. 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.

Wednesday, December 14, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater
The White House: The President’s Home in Photographs and History
In her book The White House, photography critic Vicki Goldberg presents a fascinating visual history that covers every aspect of White House life over the past 200 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.

To verify dates and times of the programs, call 202-357-5000 or view the Calendar of Events online. To request a 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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