red-info-icon The museum in Washington, DC, will open at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 17.

September 2012
Washington, DC, Area Events

Constitution of the United States
Signed Copy of the Constitution of the United States; Miscellaneous Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789; Records of the Continental and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789, Record Group 360; National Archives.

Program Highlights

  • 225th Anniversary of the Constitution
    Yale Law professor Akhil Amar and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas discuss this founding document (September 12). Join us for a special performance by Founding Fathers reenactors and birthday cake for the audience (September 19). See the rarely seen "fifth page" of the Constitution in the Rotunda.
  • 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812
    Journalist Roger Mudd moderates a discussion on “What So Proudly We Hailed: Messages and Lessons from the War of 1812” (September 19).
  • Civil War Art with Artist Mort Künstler
    Künstler and Laurie Norton Moffatt discuss his paintings, career, inspirations, and historical research. (September 13).
  • 6th Annual Charles Guggenheim Tribute, John F. Kennedy
    A screening and discussion of Charles Guggenheim’s documentary John F. Kennedy 1917-1963, commissioned for the 1979 dedication of the Kennedy Library in Boston (September 27)
  • Film at the National Archives
    Watch Inherit the Wind, a fictionalization of the 1925 Scopes “Monkey Trial” starring Spencer Tracy (September 15), Robert Drew’s cinéma vérité work Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment (September 19), or Henry Fonda in 12 Angry Men (September 29).
  • Noontime Lectures
    Learn about The Life and Times of the Declaration of Independence (September 5), the story of The Long Road to Antietam (September 12) or The Devil’s Causeway This program has been canceled. (September 21) and hear from the author of The President’s Czars: Undermining the Congress and the Constitution (September 26).
  • Know Your Records
    A variety of programs explore records held by the National Archives. (September 4, 5, 7, 11, 15, 19, and 25)

Locations, Hours, and Contact Information

All events listed in the calendar are free unless noted; reservations are not required unless noted. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For McGowan Theater programs, the doors to the building will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue.

Tuesday, September 4, at 11 a.m.
Gallantry Undistinguished: A 30-Year Struggle Documented
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)

Jonathan Webb Deiss describes records found in the National Archives while he was researching 150 soldiers promised Medals of Honor for an 1899 mission in the Philippines. (The lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Friday, September 7, at 11 a.m.)

Wednesday, September 5, at 11 a.m.
Introduction to Genealogy
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)

Rebecca Sharp, genealogy specialist, will discuss Federal records of interest to beginning genealogists for our first Wednesday of the month lecture.

Wednesday, September 5, at noon
For Liberty and Equality: The Life and Times of the Declaration of Independence
William G. McGowan Theater

Law historian Alexander Tsesis has written a history of the Declaration of Independence from its creation in 1776 to the present and discusses the numerous ways the document has influenced American politics, laws, and society. A book signing will follow the program. This program can also be watched live on our Ustream channel. Go to http://www.ustream.tv/NARA

Tuesday, September 11, at 11 a.m.
Finding Place of Birth in Federal Records
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)

Susannah E. Brooks explains where one might find place of birth in National Archives records, which is essential for additional research at the local and state level in the U.S. and abroad. (Repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, September 13, at 11 a.m.)

Wednesday, September 12, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
The Long Road to Antietam: How the Civil War Became a Revolution

In the summer of 1862, Abraham Lincoln decided on a radical change of strategy—one that abandoned hope for a compromise peace and committed the nation to all-out war. The centerpiece of that new strategy was the Emancipation Proclamation. In The Long Road to Antietam, Richard Slotkin reexamines the challenges that Lincoln encountered during that anguished summer. A book signing will follow the program.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (Photograph by Steve Petteway, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States)

Wednesday, September 12, at 7 p.m.
The Constitution Turns 225: Happy Birthday, U.S. Constitution!
William G. McGowan Theater

Join us in celebrating the 225th anniversary of the Constitution with Yale Law Professor Akhil Amar and special guest Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as they explore the past, present, and future of the nation’s founding document. Presented in partnership with the Federalist Society and the Constitutional Accountability Center.

Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted. Free tickets are distributed at the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue, 60 minutes prior to start time. You must be present to receive a ticket. Theater doors open 30 minutes prior to start time.

 

 

 

 

Absolution Before Victory by Mort Künstler. (Image courtesy of the artist.)

Thursday September 13, at 7 p.m.
An Evening with Historical Artist Mort Künstler
William G. McGowan Theater

When Mort Künstler began his emphasis on Civil War art in the early 1980s, he was already renowned as “the premier historical artist in America.” Künstler and Laurie Norton Moffatt, director of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA, will engage in an illustrated conversation about his career, inspirations, and historical research. Presented in partnership with the Congressional Battlefield Caucus. Following the discussion, Mr. Künstler will sign copies of his book, For Us the Living: The Civil War in Paintings and Eyewitness Accounts.

 

 

 

Saturday, September 15, at noon
Inherit the Wind
William G. McGowan Theater

Nominated for four Academy Awards®, this fictionalization of the 1925 Scopes “Monkey Trial” stars Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Gene Kelly. Directed by Stanley Kramer. (1960; 127 minutes)

Saturday, September 15, noon–4 p.m.,
“Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Clinic
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)

Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? An archivist is available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer your questions. Sign up for a 20-minute appointment at the Microfilm Research desk on Saturday.

Monday, September 17, noon–2 p.m.
Happy Birthday, U.S. Constitution!
William G. McGowan Theater

In a special program in celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the first 225 guests will join the Founding Fathers for cake after their performance in the McGowan Theater.

Wednesday, September 19, at 11 a.m.
Beyond the Basics Genealogy: African Americans
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)

Damani Davis, archivist, will discuss Federal records of interest for African American genealogy for our third Wednesday of the month lecture.

Wednesday, September 19, at noon
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment
William G. McGowan Theater

A landmark in American documentary films, Robert Drew’s cinéma vérité work chronicles how President John F. Kennedy, along with his brother Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, clashed with Alabama Governor George Wallace over racial integration at the University of Alabama in 1963. (1963; 52 minutes)

Roger Mudd

Wednesday, September 19, at 7 p.m.
The Constitution and the War of 1812
William G. McGowan Theater

2012 Claude Moore Lecture: Journalist Roger Mudd moderates a discussion on “What So Proudly We Hailed: Messages and Lessons from the War of 1812” with panelists Pietro Nivola and Benjamin Wittes from the Brookings Institution and Peter Kastor from Washington University in St. Louis. Our partners, the Center for the Constitution at James Madison’s Montpelier and the Brookings Institution, join us in observing the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution and the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

 

 

 

Friday, September 21, at noon
The Devil’s Causeway
William G. McGowan Theater

Matthew Westfall’s The Devil’s Causeway is a true account of the long-forgotten events of a secret rescue mission gone wrong in the Philippines in April 1899. A book signing will follow the program. This program has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Tuesday, September 25, at 11 a.m.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Fold3
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)

Learn tips on how to use Fold3 (formerly Footnote.com), which features searchable original documents mainly from the National Archives. (Repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, September 27, at 11 a.m.)

Wednesday, September 26, at noon
The President’s Czars: Undermining the Congress and the Constitution
William G. McGowan Theater

The word “czar” may seem inappropriate in a republic, but it has been used to describe independent executive branch officials with significant authority over a policy area. Mark Rozell discusses the history of the Presidential czars since FDR’s administration. A book signing will follow the program. This program can also be watched live on our Ustream channel. Go to http://www.ustream.tv/NARA

Thursday, September 27, at 7 p.m.
6th Annual Charles Guggenheim Tribute Program: John F. Kennedy 1917-1963
William G. McGowan Theater

Commissioned for the 1979 dedication of the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum in Boston, Charles Guggenheim’s John F. Kennedy 1917–1963 captures JFK’s humor, eloquence, leadership, and courage facing challenges at home and abroad. (1979; 33 minutes)

Following the film, historian Timothy Naftali will moderate a discussion with Harris Wofford, JFK’s Special Assistant for Civil Rights, and film editor Jay Lash Cassidy, who worked on the JFK film and was a longtime friend and collaborator of Charles Guggenheim.

Saturday, September 29, at noon
12 Angry Men
William G. McGowan Theater

Directed by Sidney Lumet, 12 Angry Men takes place entirely in a jury room. When Juror #8 (Henry Fonda) is not convinced of the boy’s guilt, an exploration of the issue “beyond a reasonable doubt” ensues. (1957; 95 minutes)

Boeing Learning Center

An exciting space designed to provide parents and educators of all levels with methods and materials for teaching with primary source documents. Open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Learn more about Education programs at the National Archives.

The ReSource Room is open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Exhibitions

Permanent Exhibits

Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom

  • Declaration of Independence
  • Constitution
  • Bill of Rights

The Charters of Freedom: Our Nation’s Founding Documents” takes a fresh look at the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Using historical documents from the holdings of the National Archives, we answer two key questions about the Charters: “How did they happen?” and “Why are they important?” This Rotunda exhibit also touches on the roles played by women and slaves in the Revolutionary War. Don’t miss the remarkable story of Elizabeth Burgin’s heroic role in a successful plot to free soldiers from British prison ships.

The Public Vaults” invites visitors into virtual stack areas to discover historic documents, films, maps, and photographs from the National Archives. In interactive displays, visitors may hear Presidents discuss some of the country’s greatest challenges, step into the boots of soldiers on the front lines, or follow an investigation of the sinking of the Titanic. A special display celebrates the lives of First Ladies Patricia Nixon and Lady Bird Johnson.

A rare print on parchment of the Declaration of Independence—made from the original copperplate engraved by William J. Stone in 1823—is on display for a limited time. Courtesy of David M. Rubenstein.

This year’s featured adventurer in “Polar Exploration” is Marie Peary Stafford, the daughter of explorer Robert E. Peary, who was born and spent the first months of her life in Greenland.

1297 Magna Carta
The 1297 Magna Carta has returned in its new state-of-the-art encasement and interactive display. Visitors can closely examine the document, generate a translation from the original Latin, and discover the connections between Magna Carta and American history. The 1297 Magna Carta is on loan to the National Archives from David M. Rubenstein. West Rotunda Gallery


Special Exhibitions in Washington, DC

Featured Document Display: The "fifth page" of the Constitution
For the first time in the history of the National Archives, the Resolution of Transmittal to the Continental Congress–sometimes referred to as the fifth page of the Constitution–will be on view. This momentous document describes how the Constitution was to be ratified and put into action. On public display September 14–19 in celebration of the 225th anniversary of the Constitution. East Rotunda Gallery

Temporary Exhibit: “Attachments: Faces and Stories from America’s Gates”
This temporary exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to meet men, women, and children who found themselves at America’s immigration gateways from the 1880s through World War II. These stories of joy and disappointment, opportunity and discrimination, deceit and honesty are told through documents “attached” to their files and personalized by large photomural portraits of the immigrants. Opens June 15, 2012, Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery.

DC Emancipation Act on Display at the Capitol Visitor’s Center
On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill ending slavery in the District of Columbia. African Americans in Washington DC greeted emancipation with great jubilation. For many years afterward, they celebrated Emancipation Day on April 16 with parades and festivals. The original act, signed by President Lincoln, is on loan to the Capitol Visitor’s Center through September 9, 2012. Capitol Visitor’s Center.


Special Exhibit in College Park, Maryland

Auditorium Lobby at the National Archives Research Center:

"The Long View" features digitally produced facsimiles of historic panoramic photographs from the Still Picture holdings.

Motorcycle Corps, Army Motor Service - Under Command of J. S. Berryman. US Capitol. Wash., DC. Jan. 26, 1919, By R. S. Clements. Records of the War Department General and Special Staffs (165-PP-60-47)

The exhibit not only showcases the wide variety of panoramic techniques, but also includes National Archives records such as cartographic maps and patent drawings that relate to the photographs. Thirty-four panoramas and other records are on display and span the period from 1864 to 1997.
See more panoramas online.


Traveling Exhibits

The traveling exhibit program makes it possible for people across the country to experience selected historical documents and artifacts that reflect our national experience.

Discovering the Civil War will travel to the Tennessee State Museum, Nashville, TN and be on display February 12 – September 2, 2013. See the press release for details.


Online Exhibits

Dozens of exhibits can be experienced online. Visit Now!

What's Cooking Uncle Sam? logo “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam?”
Unearth the stories and personalities behind the increasingly complex programs and legislation that affect what we eat. Learn about the Government’s extraordinary efforts, successes, and failures to change our eating habits. Find out why the Government wanted us to “Eat the Carp,” “Share the Meat,” and “Know Our Onions.” There are over 100 original records in the exhibit—including folk songs, war posters, educational films, and even seed packets. From Revolutionary War rations to Cold War cultural exchanges, discover the multiple ways that food has occupied the hearts and minds of Americans and their Government.
Online exhibit

Discovering the Civil War Exhibit Discovering the Civil War
Unlock secrets, solve mysteries, and uncover unexpected events in this most extensive display ever assembled from the incomparable Civil War holdings of the National Archives.
Online exhibit

child with coal dust on face Eyewitness:  American Originals from the National Archives
Drawing on rarely displayed documents, audio recordings, and film footage culled from the extensive holdings of the National Archives and its Presidential libraries, "Eyewitness" features first-person accounts of watershed moments in history. Online exhibit


Locations, Hours, and Contact Information

The National Archives Experience
Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC

For details, see the Visitor's Map or visit the National Archives Experience.

Exhibit Hours:

  • 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. through March 14;
    10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily March 15 through Labor Day (opening at 11:30 on Monday, September 17)
  • Last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing.
  • Open every day except Thanksgiving and December 25.

Admission free.

All events listed in the calendar are free unless noted; reservations are not required unless noted. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For McGowan Theater programs, the doors to the building will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue.

For details, see the Visitor's Map or visit the National Archives Experience.

For reservations or to be placed on the mailing list, call 202-357-5000, or toll free at 1-877-874-7616, or e-mail public.program@nara.gov.

Museum Visit Reservations: To make reservations to visit the museum, especially during the height of the tourist season and holiday periods use online reservations.


The National Archives Research Center
700 Penn. Ave., NW, Washington, DC and 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD.

Research Hours for both locations:

  • Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Closed on Federal holidays. Research Rooms will be closed on Monday, September 3, in observance of Labor Day. In Washington, DC, and in College Park, MD, there will be a delayed opening on September 6, when they will open at 1 p.m.

Check the Washington, DC and College Park, MD location information for records pull times and other important details.

Call 202-357-5450 for a docent-led guided tour.

wheelchair icon TDD: 301-837-0482. The National Archives is fully accessible. To request an accommodation (such as a sign language interpreter) for a public program, please call 202-357-5000, or toll free at 1-877-874-7616, or e-mail public.program@nara.gov at least two weeks prior to the event.


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