The National Archives Hosts Free Educational Programs this Fall - for ages from preschool to adult
Press Release · Monday, August 20, 2018

Washington, DC

This fall, the National Archives presents a series of free (unless otherwise noted) educational programs for all ages from preschool to adult, on topics ranging from the U.S. Constitution to NASA!  These programs will be held in the National Archives Museum. 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.

September Programs

Hands-on Adult Workshop: Making the Constitution
Wednesday, September 5, 6 - 8 p.m.
Register to attend
Travel back in time to discover how the Constitution was made! Explore the creation of different versions of the Constitution from George Washington’s annotated draft to the engrossed copy.  Try your handwriting with quills, making paper, and setting type. You will also have the unique opportunity to learn from our conservation staff how the National Archives protects and preserves our founding documents. Space is limited.

Educators Open House
Thursday, September 13, 6 - 8 p.m
Register to attend
Educators can enjoy a special after-hours viewing of the exhibits at the National Archives.  Learn about resources and workshops for National History Day, options for videoconferencing programs into your classroom, DocsTeach online resources and lesson plans, Learning Labs, field trip planning, and much more!  Send questions to education@nara.gov.

Constitution Day Family Day
Monday, September 17,  1 - 4 p.m.
No registration necessary
On September 17, 1787--after delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia debated, compromised, and came up with a new framework of government for our country--they signed the document that today lives in the Rotunda and is visited by millions of people from all around the world. Celebrate the Constitution with hands-on discovery. This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the support of John ​Hancock.

Story Time in the ReSource Room for Pre-Schoolers and Adults
Wednesday, September 19, 10 - 11 a.m.
No registration necessary
Join us for story time designed for 3-5 year olds and accompanying adults. Children will practice their listening skills, participate in group activities and create a craft. The theme for September is the Statue of Liberty.

October Programs

Happy 60th Birthday NASA!
Monday-Friday, October 1-5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Established on October 1,1958 when Congress passed legislation creating a civilian agency to coordinate US activities in Space, NASA is celebrating its 60th birthday this year. You can join in the festivities with hands-on activities that are out of this world.  Stop by the Boeing Learning Center and explore NASA records, learn more about John Glenn, and see if space "suits" you.

Archives Sleepover
Saturday- Sunday, October 13-14
Recommended for children 8-12 years old
$125 per attendee; $100 for Foundation members; Register to attend
Ever wonder what the museum is like after the lights go out? Aside from sleeping next to America’s founding documents, guests will spend the evening learning about Native American records, their importance in today’s world, and more. Don’t miss this unique opportunity so come join us and wake up to breakfast with the Archivist of the United States, David S. Ferriero!

Story Time in the ReSource Room for Pre-Schoolers and Adults
Wednesday, October 24, 10 - 11 a.m.
No registration necessary
Join us for story time designed for 3-5 year olds and accompanying adults. Children will practice their listening skills, participate in group activities and create a craft. The theme for October is Halloween in the White House.

Hands-on Adult Workshop: Knitting and WWI
Wednesday, October 24, 6 - 8 p.m.
Register to attend
During WWI the American Red Cross coordinated knitting for the war refugees of Europe and then for soldiers when the US entered the war in 1917.  Knitting groups became a part of patriotic life. Come knit in a group just like those during WWI who knit for the Red Cross. No experience necessary, come learn to knit and see some of the fascinating records from the National Archives about how people did their bit (or knit) to help their country during WWI.