National Archives Hosts Free “Write” Stuff Festival June 1
Press Release · Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Washington, DC

The National Archives welcomes the start of summer break with its third annual “Write” Stuff Festival for aspiring writers and illustrators on Saturday, June 1. Writers young and old, accomplished and novice, are invited to the National Archives to meet and learn from favorite authors and illustrators including L. M. Elliott, Chris Eliopoulos, Debbie Levy, and Pamela M. Tuck. All authors will be available for book signings throughout the afternoon (and their books will be available for sale).

The“Write” Stuff Festival is free and open to the public.  Registration is requested for the morning author conversations.  Full event schedule, details, and registration online. “Write” Stuff Festival events will be held at the National Archives Museum’s William G. McGowan Theater and Boeing Learning Center. 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.

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.  

The Boeing Learning Center offers in-depth education programs for middle and high school students as well as workshops geared to the needs of parents and teachers. Programs and resources include a Learning Lab, Resource Room, Digital Classroom, and Primarily Teaching, a national professional development program for teachers. Boeing Learning Center staff train educators in the effective use of primary sources in the classroom with facsimile documents, instructional videos, sample lesson plans, and other tools. The staff offers hands-on activities to enhance civic literacy and promote an understanding of the American stories found in the records of the Federal government. Learn more online.

826DC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.  The organization offers writing education and publication opportunities to 3,000 students annually across the District of Columbia through drop-in tutoring, field trips, after-school workshops, in-school programs, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications.

Related online links:

• Getting Started with Primary Source Research for Teachers and Students
• DocsTeach online portal for finding and creating interactive learning activities using primary source documents
• Education Programs at the National Archives in DC
• Educational Resources from the National Archives Center for Legislative Archives