National Archives Celebrates Opening of New Exhibit With Special Programs
Press Release · Thursday, March 20, 2014

Washington, DC

Lectures and Family Day Highlight "Making Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures"

In March and April, the National Archives celebrates the opening of its new exhibit "Making Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures," with free public programs including a Family Day on March 29 and author lectures. All programs, unless noted, will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of 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.

The exhibit "Making Their Mark" is free and open to the public, and will be on display in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, from March 21, 2014, through January 5, 2015. The National Archives is located on the National Mall on Constitution Avenue at 9th Street, NW. National Archives Museum hours are 10 AM to 5:30 PM daily. For information on National Archives public programs, call 202-357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events online.

"Making Their Mark" displays both famous and little-known signatures found in the holdings of the National Archives. Discover the invention Michael Jackson patented; see "signature" items worn by Jacqueline Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, and First Lady Michelle Obama; and discover what prompted Katharine Hepburn, Johnny Cash, and Jackie Robinson to write to the government. "Making Their Mark" explores the stores behind the signatures that made their mark on the American narrative. Download free interactive publications based on "Making Their Mark:" Download Interactive eGuide (Viewable on an iPad and iPad Mini); Download ePub (Viewable on iPhone, Android, and other eReaders)

(Opening Program) Author Lecture—The Power of Citizenship: Why John F. Kennedy Matters to a New Generation
Friday, March 21, at noon
Author Scott Reich argues in The Power of Citizenship that the most powerful element of Kennedy’s legacy is his emphasis on the theme of citizenship, and that a redirection to the values Kennedy promoted will shine a bright path forward for our country. A book signing will follow the program.

Making Their Mark Family Day—Discover your Signature Style
Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Boeing Learning Center
Bring your family to explore signatures in American History through family fun including:

• Family tours of "Making Their Mark" exhibit
• Writing with Quill Pens
• Presidential Catch Phrase
• Craft – Create a signature hat
• Activity –You be the Curator
• Story Time

Author Lecture—The Fight for the Four Freedoms: What Made FDR and the Greatest Generation Truly Great
Monday, April 7, at noon
These were the democratic aims—freedom from want and fear; freedom of speech and religion—that helped beat the Great Depression, defeat the Axis Powers in World War II, and turn the United States into the strongest and richest nation in history. They remain the most significant legacy of America’s most progressive generation. Professor Harvey Kaye recalls the full story of this generation’s extraordinary stuggles and accomplishments. A book signing will follow the program.

Author Discussion– An Idea Whose Time Has Come: Two Presidents, Two Parties, and the Battle for the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m.
Journalists Todd Purdum and Cokie Roberts discuss the political battles behind the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and the popular myths about this monumental piece of legislation. Purdum recreates the cast of characters who were the catalysts for change. A book signing will follow the program.

"Making Their Mark: Stories Through Signatures" is made possible in part by the Foundation for the National Archives with the generous support of Lead Sponsor AT&T. Major additional support provided by the Lawrence F. O'Brien Family and members of the Board of the Foundation for the National Archives. Family and educational programming related to "Making Their Mark" is sponsored in part by Fahrney’s Pens, Cross, and Parker Pen Company–Newell Rubbermaid.

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See more information about "Making their Mark" [www.archives.gov/nae/visit/gallery.html] or call the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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