Washington, DC Area Events

October 2012
Washington, DC, Area Events

Caroline Kennedy

Program Highlights

  • The Cuban Missile Crisis
    Go behind the scenes with authors James Blight and Janet Lang (October 12). Watch the docudrama The Missiles of October (October 13), see a selection of films from our holdings on the Cuban Missile Crisis (October 18), or attend a panel discussion on JFK’s secret White House recordings introduced by Caroline Kennedy (October 25).
  • War on the Waters with James M. McPherson
    Civil War historian James M. McPherson recounts the war’s naval campaigns, their leaders, and military innovations (October 2).
  • Film Preservation in the Digital Age
    Archival institutions and film industry continue to address the “digital dilemma” when facing the task of preserving and restoring our motion picture history (October 19).
  • 26th Annual Preservation Conference
    Learn how new challenges and opportunities are shaping preservation strategies and solutions. Guest speakers and National Archives staff will discuss conservation, reformatting, and storage technology, as well as education and outreach (October 19).
  • Film at the National Archives
    Learn about educational films and what they tell us about 20th-century preoccupations and values (October 5), watch the docudrama The Missiles of October (October 13), or see a selection of films from our holdings on the Cuban Missile Crisis (October 18).
  • Noontime Lectures
    Civil War historian James M. McPherson recounts the war’s naval campaigns (October 2) and history professor Troy Bickham discusses the War of 1812 (October 11). Hear from the authors of The Armageddon Letters (October 12), take a different look at The Zimmermann Telegram (October 16), or learn about the nineteenth century’s controversial figure William Henry Seward (October 23). Historian George H. Nash discusses editing Hoover’s manuscript for Freedom Betrayed (October 25).
  • Know Your Records
    A variety of programs explore records held by the National Archives. (October 2, 3, 16, 17, 20, and 27)

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, October 2, at 11 a.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
Searching Online Public Access (OPA)

Learn how to search and refine results, tag records, share searches, and even zoom and pan in Online Public Access. This new online catalog will replace the current Archival Research Catalog (ARC). (Repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, October 4, at 11 a.m.)

James M. McPherson

Tuesday, October 2, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
War on the Waters: The Union and Confederate Navies, 1861–1865

Even though the two navies represented a small percentage of the Union and Confederate fighting forces, they were crucial to the war’s outcome. Civil War historian James M. McPherson recounts the war’s naval campaigns, their leaders, and military innovations such as ironclad vessels, naval mines, and the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel. A book signing will follow the program.

Wednesday, October 3, at 11 a.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
Introduction to Genealogy

On the first Wednesday of each month, we offer a lecture on using Federal records for genealogy research. Katherine Vollen, archives specialist, will discuss Federal records of interest to beginning genealogists.

 

Friday, October 5, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
Learning With the Lights Off: Educational Film in the United States

Educational films were seen by millions of people and provide a catalog of 20th-century preoccupations and values. Marsha Orgeron is a co-editor of the first collection of essays to address this overlooked film legacy. She will discuss her book and show clips from the films. A book signing will follow the program.

Thursday, October 11, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
The Weight of Vengence: The United States, the British Empire, and the War of 1812

History professor Troy Bickham places this “forgotten war” in a global context. The United States saw an opportunity to challenge Britain’s dominance, while the British feared the rise of U.S. maritime power and territorial expansion. The War of 1812 was a turning point for both countries and marked a critical moment of self-definition for the two nations. A book siging will follow the program.

Friday, October 12, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
The Armageddon Letters: Kennedy/Khrushchev/Castro in the Cuban Missile Crisis

James Blight and Janet Lang discuss their new book, The Armageddon Letters, which takes readers behind the scenes during the October 1962 Cuban missile crisis. A book signing will follow the program.

Saturday, October 13, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
The Missiles of October

William Devane portrays President John F. Kennedy and Martin Sheen is Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy in this critically acclaimed, made-for-television docudrama of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Use of the film courtesy of CBS Television Studios. (1974; 150 mins)

Tuesday, October 16, at 11 a.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
The Real Widows of the Pension Office

Pamela Loos-Noji shares the usual contents of widows’ pension files and discusses the amazing stories she has found while volunteering at the National Archives. (Repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, October 18, at 11 a.m.)

Tuesday, October 16, at noon
Washington Room
The Zimmermann Telegram: Intelligence, Diplomacy, and America’s Entry into World War I

In January 1917, British naval intelligence intercepted a secret telegram from Germany’s foreign secretary, Arthur Zimmermann, offering support to Mexico in exchange for an attack on the United States. Five weeks later, America entered World War I. Historian Thomas Boghardt challenges the accepted views of what happened as a result of this event. A book signing will follow the program.

Wednesday, October 17, at 11 a.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
Beyond the Basics Genealogy:War of 1812

On the third Wednesday of each month, we offer a lecture on using Federal records for genealogy research. John Deeben, genealogy specialist, reviews Federal records relating to Army service in the War of 1812.

Thursday, October 18, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
From the Vaults: The Cuban Missile Crisis

A selection of films from the holdings of the National Archives including One Week in October (1964) and Conversation With the President (1962).

Friday, October 19, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
Preserving Grain, Presenting Pixels: Film Preservation and Restoration in the Digital Age

In 2007, the Academy’s Science and Technology Council released their landmark study, The Digital Dilemma. Five years later, archival institutions and film industry continue to address the “digital dilemma” when facing the task of preserving and restoring our motion picture history. A panel including Josef Linder, Preservation Officer for the Academy Film Archive, and Christina Kovac and Bryce Lowe, Motion Picture Preservation Specialists at the National Archives, will discuss this important issue and present examples from their latest projects. This program is presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in partnership with the Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film and the Foundation for the National Archives.

Friday, October 19, 9 a.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
26th Annual Preservation Conference
2012 A Preservation Odyssey: Paths to the Future

This conference addresses how new challenges and opportunities are shaping preservation strategies. Speakers will focus on conservation, reformatting, storage technology, and the ways these program activities are evolving toward new solutions. A session on education and outreach will highlight innovative methods for sharing information and engaging users through social media and training. David M. Rubenstein will give the keynote address. Program speakers include Beth Doyle of Duke University Libraries, Brad Lawrence of the Kennedy Space Center, John Faundee of the United States Geological Survey; and senior staff from NARA's Preservation Programs. Standard registration is $125.00 and student registration is $75.00. See more information.

Saturday, October 20, at 10 a.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
Beyond the Basics Genealogy: Census Search Strategies

On the third Saturday of each month, we offer a lecture on using Federal records for genealogy research. Claire Kluskens discusses census search strategies for our “beyond the basics” archival research skills lecture.

Tuesday, October 23, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
Seward: Lincoln’s Indispensable Man

William Henry Seward was Lincoln’s Secretary of State and one of the most important Americans of the nineteenth century. He was involved in so many policies before, during, and after the Civil War that he became a controversial and polarizing figure. Author Walter Stahr sheds new light on this complex man. A book signing will follow the program.

Thursday, October 25, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
Freedom Betrayed: Herbert Hoover’s Secret History of the Second World War and Its Aftermath

The Hoover Institution Press and historian George H. Nash have edited Hoover’s manuscript Freedom Betrayed, the culmination of a literary project launched by Hoover during World War II that evolved into a critique of U.S. foreign policy during the war and the early years of the Cold War. Hoover argues that FDR’s prewar and wartime diplomacy had made the world safe for Stalinist Russia and triggered the Cold War. A book signing will follow the program.

Caroline Kennedy

Thursday, October 25, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
The Fourteenth Day: JFK and the Aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis/The Secret White House Tapes

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a panel will discuss JFK’s secret White House recordings, which will be played during the program. Caroline Kennedy will offer opening remarks. Timothy Naftali, former director of UVA’s Miller Center Presidential Recordings Project, will moderate panelists David G. Coleman, author of The Fourteenth Day; Philip Zelikow, former director of the Miller Center; and Ted Widmer, co-author of Listening In: The Secret White House Tapes of J.F. Kennedy. Speakers will sign books following the program.

Saturday, October 27, noon to 4 p.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
“Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Clinic

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.

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

New Exhibit: “To the Brink—JFK and the Cuban Missile Crisis”
Secretly recorded White House tapes are the centerpiece of this exhibit, which marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Visitors listen in as the President and his advisers work furiously to avert a nuclear war. Original documents, artifacts, and photographs complement the tapes, breathing humanity into this milestone 20th-century event.
October 12, 2012, through February 4, 2013, Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery


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
  • 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, October 8.

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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