National Archives Holds Records-related Programs in February
Press Release · Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Washington, DC…In February, the National Archives “Know Your Records” program presents programs highlighting Federal records from its holdings ranging from African American genealogy to Civil War medical records. All programs are free and open to the public, and will be held in Room G-25 of the National Archives Building Research Center. Visitors should use the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW.

Wednesday, February 6, at 11 a.m.
Introduction to Genealogy at the National Archives
Damani Davis, archivist, will discuss Federal records of interest for African American genealogy.

Wednesday, February 13, at 9:30 a.m.
Genealogy Research Using the National Archives Online
Archives specialist Nancy Wing teaches a 90-minute, hands-on computer workshop on navigating Archives.gov If you don’t know where to start or have gotten lost in the process of doing genealogy research, this workshop will help you understand how to use the National Archives web site to further your research goals. Sign up in advance at the Library or email Nancy.Wing@nara.gov. Classes are limited to seven seats. This workshop will be repeated on Wednesday, February 27, at 9:30 a.m. in the Library (use the Penn. Ave. Entrance)

Saturday, February 16, at 10 a.m.
Beyond the Basics Genealogy: Finding Aids
There are billions of records in the National Archives that are not online or microfilm. They are locked in our stacks waiting for you! Archivist Claire Kluskens explains how to find records for your historical or genealogical research that are not online or on microfilm.

Saturday, February 16, noon–4 p.m.
“Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Clinic
Has a genealogical problem stumped you? An archivist is available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer your research questions. Sign up for a 20-minute appointment at the Research Commons desk.

Wednesday, February 20, at 11 a.m.
Beyond the Basics Genealogy: Civil War Medical Records
Archives specialist Nancy Wing discusses the progression of medicine and how medical treatment was documented during the Civil War for both the Union and the Confederacy. Examples include National Archives images of medical records, hospital sites, equipment, and prominent figures who made a difference for both sides.

Wednesday, February 27, at 9:30 a.m.
Genealogy Research Using the National Archives Online
Archives specialist Nancy Wing teaches a 90-minute, hands-on computer workshop on navigating Archives.gov If you don’t know where to start or have gotten lost in the process of doing genealogy research, this workshop will help you understand how to use the National Archives web site to further your research goals. Sign up in advance at the Library or email Nancy.Wing@nara.gov. Classes are limited to seven seats.

Background on “Know Your Records” programs

The National Archives holds the permanently valuable records of the Federal Government. These include records of interest to genealogists, such as pension files, ship passenger lists, census and Freedmen’s Bureau materials. The “Know Your Records Program” offers opportunities for staff, volunteers, and researchers to learn about these records through lectures, ongoing genealogy programs, workshops, symposia, the annual genealogy fair, an online genealogy tutorial, reference reports for genealogical research, and editions of Researcher News for Washington, DC, area researchers.

The National Archives Building and the National Archives at College Park are 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 prior to the event. To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call 202-357-5000, 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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