Free Educational Programs this Spring and Summer - for ages from preschool to adult
Press Release · Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Washington, DC

This spring and summer, the National Archives presents a series of free educational programs for all ages from preschool to adult, including escape rooms, the Write Stuff Festival, and Genealogy Camp!  These programs will be held in the Boeing Learning Center of 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.

Friendship Between Nations Family Day
Saturday, April 6, 10 AM-4 PM, National Archives Museum
Join the National Archives for a fun, activity-filled day exploring the many ways countries show their friendship! Investigate treaties, learn about some of the crazy gifts countries have given, and participate in interactive activities designed for the entire family to enjoy!  This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of John Hancock.

Emancipation Proclamation Family Activities
Monday, April 15 & Tuesday, April 16, 11 AM–3 PM, Boeing Learning Center
Stop by the ReSource Room with your family before or after viewing the Emancipation Proclamation (on display April 14–16), and learn more about this historic document through hands-on discovery.  Made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of The Boeing Company.

Story Time in the ReSource Room for Pre-Schoolers and Adults
Wednesday, April 17, 10-11 AM, Boeing Learning Center
Join us for story time designed for 3-5 year olds and accompanying adults. Children will practice listening skills, participate in group activities, and create a craft. April’s theme is The Cherry Blossom Festival!

Hands-on Adult Voting Rights Escape Room!
Wednesday, April 17, 6-8 PM, Boeing Learning Center
Race against the clock while you solve puzzles and uncover mysteries about the fight for voting rights in the US. To commemorate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, students from Montgomery College's Gaming and Simulation Program have designed and created these Escape Games exploring voting rights. Can you unravel the clues and protect the vote? Register online here.

Rightfully Hers Discovery Carts
Saturday, May 11, 10 AM -4 PM, National Archives Museum
Investigate the journey of American women’s fight to win the vote and the passage of the 19th Amendment through hands-on discovery carts located throughout the Museum.  Learn about the people, the issues, and how an amendment is passed. This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation through the generous support of Unilever, Pivotal Ventures, Carl M. Freeman Foundation in honor of Virginia Allen Freeman, and AARP.

Story Time in the ReSource Room for Pre-Schoolers and Adults
Wednesday, May 15, 10-11 AM, Boeing Learning Center
Join us for story time designed for 3-5 year olds and accompanying adults. Children will practice listening skills, participate in group activities and create a craft. May’s theme is baseball!  

The Write Stuff Festival - Saturday, June 1, 2019,  National Archives Museum
Free and open to the public, schedule and AM registration online here

Morning Conversation - 11 AM, William G. McGowan Theater

• Embark on a quest to find the “Write” Stuff!  Join award-winning authors/illustrators L. M. Elliott, Chris Eliopoulos, Debbie Levy, and Pamela M. Tuck to learn about the writing, illustration, and research that go into making a book.  Zachary Clark (of 826DC) will moderate the conversation and Q&A session where you can ask your own questions and find out everything you want to know about writing and illustration! Can’t attend in person?  Stream the morning author conversations on YouTube and Facebook Live. Register for this session online here.  

Afternoon Conversation and Book Signings - 1:30 PM, Boeing Learning Center

• Engage with award-winning authors/illustrators L. M. Elliott, Chris Eliopoulos, Debbie Levy, and Pamela M. Tuck through Author/Illustrator spotlights and hands-on activities that explore methods and unveil strategies they use to integrate research in their works.  Plus, their books will be available for purchase and for book signings throughout the afternoon. Attendees can also chat with National Archives and 826DC staff to learn more about research and writing with hands-on activities. No registration required.  

Genealogy Camp for Kids - Ages 12 and up
July 8-12, 9 AM-noon, Boeing Learning Center and National Archives Museum
Ever wondered about your family’s roots and who is on your family tree? This hands-on week-long camp will introduce the basics of genealogy research. Discover how to use the resources of the National Archives to be history detectives into your past! Register online  here.  Questions? Email education@nara.gov with “Genealogy Camp” in the subject line. This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation.

National Park Service Escape Room!  Hands-on Adult Workshop
Boeing Learning Center, 6-8 PM
Date options:  Wednesday, June 5, Wednesday, July 24, or Wednesday, August 7
Back by popular demand!  Nothing says summer vacation like a trip to visit a National Park.  Tackle puzzles and ciphers about the National Park Service to solve a mystery in time during this “escape room” for adults. Register online here.  

Family Learning Lab Programs, Boeing Learning Center
Take on the role of researchers and archivists for a day!  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. Explore history and learn more about the National Archives!  

• Rights and Responsibilities Learning Lab - Thursday, July 25, 11 AM-noon (best for children in grades 4 and under).  Register online here.
• Constitution in Action Learning Lab - Friday, July 26, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM (best for children in grades 5 and up).  Register online here.