The National Archives Hosts Special Public Programs in June
Press Release · Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Washington, DC

The National Archives presents a series of daytime public programs in June.  These programs are free and open to the public.  The June 10 genealogy program will be held in the Research Center (Pennsylvania Avenue NW entrance). For all other programs, attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW.  The building is Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.

FILM:  Celebrating International Archives Day: Short Films from JFK’s U.S. Information Agency

Friday, June 9, noon – 1:15 p.m., William G. McGowan Theater

To celebrate the International Archives Day 2017 theme, "Archives, Citizenship, and Interculturalism," and in conjunction with the JFK Centennial, we present three films from the National Archives' motion picture holdings produced by the United States Information Agency. Jacqueline Kennedy's Asian Journey (1962; 30 minutes) is a film record of the First Lady's tour of India and Pakistan.  The School at Rincon Santo (1963; 11 minutes) tells the story of the building of a schoolhouse by the people of Rincon Santo - the first and only school in that Colombian village.  Five Cities of June (1963; 26 minutes) chronicles five stories from five cities in June, 1963, including the integration of the University of Mississippi, and John F. Kennedy's "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech at the Berlin Wall.  This program is presented in partnership with the International Council on Archives.

GENEALOGY:  “Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Consultation

Saturday, June 10, noon–4 p.m., Research Center (Penn. Avenue Entrance)    
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? Archivist Claire Kluskens is available from noon – 4 p.m. to answer your questions. Sign up for first-come, first-served 20-minute appointments at the Microfilm Research desk.  Genealogy consultations take place one Saturday a month, in the Microfilm Research Room of the Research Center.

BOOK TALK: Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

Wednesday, June 14, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater and on YouTube
In Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann revisits a shocking series of crimes in the 1920s in which dozens of people were murdered in cold blood. After oil was discovered beneath their land, the members of the Osage Indian Nation became the richest people per capita in the world; but then, one by one, the Osage began to be killed off. Those that dared to investigate the killings were themselves murdered. At this point, the FBI took up the case and with the Osage, they began to expose one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history. A book signing will follow the program.  This event will stream live online.

BOOK TALK:  Thunder at the Gates: The Black Civil War Regiments that Redeemed America

Tuesday, June 20, at noon, William G. McGowan Theater and on YouTube

Soon after the Emancipation Proclamation, abolitionists began to call for the creation of black regiments. The South, and most of the North responded with outrage.  Meanwhile, Massachusetts, launched one of the greatest experiments in American history. In Thunder at the Gates, Douglas Egerton chronicles the formation and battlefield triumphs of the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Infantry and the 5th Cavalry – regiments led by whites but composed of black men. A book signing will follow the program. This event will stream live online.

SPECIAL EVENT:  National Conversation on Rights and Justice: Building a More Perfect Union

Wednesday, June 21 at 7 p.m. & Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m., William G. McGowan Theater and on YouTube

In celebration of the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, the National Archives has been hosting a series of conversations across the country to explore topics related to the often complicated issue of rights in our modern era, including immigration rights and reform, civil rights and individual freedom, women’s rights and gender equality, and educational access and equity. The two-day culminating event in Washington, D.C. will assemble a diverse group of scholars, activists, and political leaders to continue this important discussion. Reservations can be made here, and the event will stream live online. The “National Conversation on Rights and Justice” in Washington, D.C., is presented in part by AT&T, Ford Foundation, Seedlings Foundation and the National Archives Foundation.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Featured “Hands On” Magna Carta Activity

Mondays-Saturdays in June, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Boeing Learning Center ReSource Room

Celebrate Magna Carta, one of the documents that set the foundation for our Bill of Rights and inspired years of conversations about rights. Stop by the ReSource Room this month to learn more about this historic document through interactive, hands-on activities.

Family Learning Lab Programs, Boeing Learning Center

June 20-23, Boeing Learning Center ReSource Room
Explore history and learn more about the National Archives by taking on the roles of researchers and archivists! During a hands-on simulation, you are invited to help the President’s communications director, Bob, prepare for a very special press conference. Families will work together to locate and analyze facsimile documents.  Reservations are required and must be made online at least 24 hours in advance.

Dates and Times:

Constitution in Action Learning Lab, Tuesday, June 20, 10 a.m. – noon (for kids in 5th grade and up)

Rights and Responsibilities Learning Lab, Wednesday, June 21, 10 – 11 a.m. (for kids in 4th grade and up)

Constitution in Action Learning Lab, Thursday, June 22, 10 a.m. – noon (for kids in 5th grade and up)

Rights and Responsibilities Learning Lab, Friday, June 23, 10 – 11 a.m. (for kids up to 4th grade)

COMING SOON - FIRST-EVER “WRITE” STUFF FESTIVAL JULY 7-8

Literacy, Writing and Research Festival Celebrates Summer Vacation!

The National Archives welcomes the start of summer break with its first-ever, two-day “Write” Stuff Festival showcasing how research impacts writing and storytelling July 7-8. Writers young and old, accomplished and novice, are invited to the National Archives to meet and learn from favorite authors and illustrators. Young writers (4th-6th grade) can participate in special “story development” workshops in person or online. Additional Festival highlights include book signings, discussions, hands-on activities, and more! Full schedule online.

The “Write” Stuff Festival is free and open to the public, but online registration is required for Friday’s “kids only” afternoon workshops, which are limited to 4th–6th graders.

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