Washington, DC Area Events

February 2013
Washington, DC, Area Events

©The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

Program Highlights

  • A Tribute to Rosa Parks
    William S. Pretzer introduces the 2002 documentary Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks (40 mins.) (February 4)
  • The Emancipation Proclamation in Art and Documents
    Eleanor Jones Harvey, chief curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), and Michael Hussey, historian at the National Archives, use images from the exhibit “The Civil War and American Art” at SAAM to explore the connections between these works of art and records from the National Archives. (February 7)
  • 9th Annual Showcase of Academy Award®–Nominated Documentaries and Short Subjects
    The National Archives Experience hosts the ninth annual free screenings of the Academy Award® nominees in four categories. (February 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24)
  • America’s Political Parties
    A panel of former members of Congress discuss America’s political system, including redistricting, closed primaries, and the 24-hour news cycle. (February 28)
  • From the Vaults
    Films, including Debrief: Apollo 8 and Eagle Has Landed: The Flight of Apollo 11, document NASA’s efforts to land a man on the moon.(February 15)
  • Noontime Lectures
    Learn about the search for missing family after the Civil War with Help Me to Find My People: The African American Search for Family Lost in Slavery (February 6); the decades-long relationship between two Presidents in Ike and Dick: Portrait of a Strange Political Marriage (February 19); and see the photographs in Colors of Confinement: Rare Kodachrome Photographs of Japanese American Incarceration in World War II (February 27).
  • Know Your Records
    Learn about Federal records of interest for African American (February 6); workshop on using the National Archives web site to further your research goals (February 13 and 27); go “Beyond the Basics” to learn about finding aids (February 16); look for the next step at the “Help! I’m Stuck” clinic (February 16); or the progression of medicine and how medical treatment was documented during the Civil War (February 20).

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.

Current Exhibitions

Monday, February 4, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
A Tribute to Rosa Parks on her 100th Birthday

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to yield her seat to a white passenger on a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This act inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by a young Martin Luther King, Jr., and began a movement that ended legal segregation in America. William S. Pretzer introduces the 2002 documentary Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks (40 mins.) Presented in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Wednesday, February 6, at 11 a.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
Introduction to Genealogy at the National Archives

Damani Davis, archivist, will discuss Federal records of interest for African American genealogy.

Wednesday, February 6, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
Help Me to Find My People: The African American Search for Family Lost in Slavery

After the Civil War, African Americans placed “information wanted” advertisements in newspapers for missing family members. History professor and author Heather Andrea Williams uses slave narratives, letters, interviews, and diaries to describe the devastation when people were sold away from their families. Williams traces those who were separated, chronicles their search, and documents the rare experiences of reunion or the tragedy of loss. A book signing will follow the program.

Courtesy of SAAM’s exhibition "The Civil War and American Art." Eastman Johnson, "A Ride for Liberty—The Fugitive Slaves," March 2, 1862, oil on board, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond. The Paul Mellon Collection

Ira Berlin

Thursday, February 7, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
The Emancipation Proclamation in Art and Documents

Eleanor Jones Harvey, chief curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), and Michael Hussey, historian at the National Archives, use images from the exhibit “The Civil War and American Art” at SAAM to explore the connections between these works of art and records from the National Archives. Rex M. Ellis, associate director for curatorial affairs at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, moderates a panel that includes Ira Berlin, professor of history at the University of Maryland.

Wednesday, February 13, at 9:30 a.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
Genealogy Research Using the National Archives Online

Archives specialist Nancy Wing teaches a 90-minute, hands-on computer workshop on navigating Archives.gov. If you don’t know where to start or have gotten lost in the process of doing genealogy research, this workshop will help you understand how to use the National Archives web site to further your research goals. Sign up in advance at the Library or email Nancy.Wing@nara.gov. Classes are limited to seven seats. This workshop will be repeated on Wednesday, February 27, at 9:30 a.m. in the Library (use the Penn. Ave. Entrance)

Friday, February 15, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
From the Vaults: Apollo to the Moon

Films, including Debrief: Apollo 8 and Eagle Has Landed: The Flight of Apollo 11, document NASA’s efforts to land a man on the moon.

Saturday, February 16, at 10 a.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
Beyond the Basics Genealogy: Finding Aids

There are billions of records in the National Archives that are not online or microfilm. They are locked in our stacks waiting for you! Archivist Claire Kluskens explains how to find records for your historical or genealogical research that are not online or on microfilm.

Saturday, February 16, noon–4 p.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
“Help! I’m Stuck” Genealogy Clinic

Has a genealogical problem stumped you? An archivist is available from noon to 4 p.m. to answer your research questions. Sign up for a 20-minute appointment at the Research Commons desk.

Tuesday, February 19, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
Ike and Dick: Portrait of a Strange Political Marriage

Eisenhower and Nixon had a twenty-year political and personal relationship despite differences in age and temperament. Their association helped to shape the nation’s political ideology, foreign policy, and domestic goals, from civil rights to the civilian space program. Author Jeffrey Frank discusses this relationship and provides a view of America during the Cold War. A book signing will follow the program.

Wednesday, February 20, at 11 a.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
Beyond the Basics Genealogy: Civil War Medical Records

Archives specialist Nancy Wing discusses the progression of medicine and how medical treatment was documented during the Civil War for both the Union and the Confederacy. Examples include National Archives images of medical records, hospital sites, equipment, and prominent figures who made a difference for both sides.

©The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

February 20–24
William G. McGowan Theater
9th Annual Showcase of Academy Award®–Nominated Documentaries and Short Subjects

The National Archives Experience hosts the ninth annual free screenings of the Academy Award® nominees in four categories—Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Live Action Short Film, and Animated Short Film.

The screenings are presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in partnership with the Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film and the Foundation for the National Archives.

Seating is 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. The saving of seats is strictly prohibited. Please note that some films may not be appropriate for general audiences.

Screening schedule (subject to availability)

Documentary Feature Nominees

Wednesday, February 20, at 7 p.m.
Searching for Sugar Man
Malik Bendjelloul and Simon Chinn
(85 minutes)

Thursday, February 21, at 7 p.m.
The Gatekeepers
Dror Moreh, Philippa Kowarsky, and Estelle Fialon
(97 minutes)

Friday, February 22, at 7 p.m.
How to Survive a Plague
David France and Howard Gertler
(110 minutes)

Saturday, February 23, at 7 p.m.
The Invisible War
Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering
(97 minutes)

Sunday, February 24, at 4 p.m.
5 Broken Cameras
Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi
(90 minutes)

Live Action Short Film Nominees

Saturday, February 23, at noon
Asad
Bryan Buckley and Mino Jarjoura
(17 minutes)

Buzkashi Boys
Sam French and Ariel Nasr
(30 minutes)

Curfew
Shawn Christensen
(20 minutes)

Death of a Shadow (Dood van een Schaduw)
Tom Van Avermaet and Ellen De Waele
(20 minutes)

Henry
Yan England
(21 minutes)

Total Running time: 108 minutes.

Animated Short Film Nominees

Saturday, February 23, at 3:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Adam and Dog
Minkyu Lee
(16 minutes)

Fresh Guacamole
PES
(2 minutes)

Head over Heels
Timothy Reckart and Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly
(10 minutes)

Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare"
David Silverman
(5 minutes)
*Please note: Although submitted and nominated in 3-D; due to technical limitations we will present Maggie Simpson in "The Longest Daycare" in 2-D.

Paperman
John Kahrs
(7 minutes)

Total Running Time: 40 minutes.

Documentary Short Subject Nominees

Sunday, February 24, at 11 a.m.
Inocente
Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine
(40 minutes)

Kings Point
Sari Gilman and Jedd Wider
(31 minutes)

Mondays at Racine
Cynthia Wade and Robin Honan
(39 minutes)

Open Heart
Kief Davidson and Cori Shepherd Stern
(39 minutes)

Redemption
Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neill
(35 minutes)

Total Running Time: 184 minutes

Wednesday, February 27, at 9:30 a.m.
Room G-25, Research Center (Penn. Ave. Entrance)
Genealogy Research Using the National Archives Online

Archives specialist Nancy Wing teaches a 90-minute, hands-on computer workshop on navigating archives.gov. If you don’t know where to start or have gotten lost in the process of doing genealogy research, this workshop will help you understand how to use the National Archives web site to further your research goals. Sign up in advance at the Library or email Nancy.Wing@nara.gov. Classes are limited to seven seats.

Wednesday, February 27, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
Colors of Confinement: Rare Kodachrome Photographs of Japanese American Incarceration in World War II

In 1942, Bill Manbo and his family were forced from their Hollywood home into an internment camp at Heart Mountain, Wyoming. Using Kodachrome film, Manbo captured community celebrations and recorded his family’s struggle to maintain a normal life. Eric L. Muller uses these photos to describe Japanese American life in the camps. A book signing will follow the program.

 

 

Mickey Edwards
(Photo by Gia Regan)

Thursday, February 28, at 7 p.m.
William G. McGowan Theater
The Parties Versus the People: How to Turn Republicans and Democrats into Americans

A panel of former members of Congress discuss America’s political system, including redistricting, closed primaries, and the 24-hour news cycle. Moderated by New York Times journal­ist Jackie Calmes, panelists include Mickey Edwards (R-OK), author of The Parties Versus the People: How to Turn Republicans and Democrats into Americans; Charlie Stenholm (D-TX); David Skaggs (D-CO); and John Porter (R-IL). Presented in partnership with the U.S. Asso­ciation of Former Members of Congress. A book signing follows the program.

 

 

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 celebrating President Nixon's centennial will feature artifacts related to the Apollo 11 mission and the original U.S./Soviet agreement of cooperation.

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.

Magna Carta Display
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

Final Days: "Eavesdropping on History—JFK and the Cuban Missile Crisis"
Secretly recorded White House tapes form the centerpiece of this exhibit marking 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. With generous support from Lead Sponsor AT&T and special recognition to the Lawrence F. O'Brien Family. Through February 4 in the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery

Rosa Parks—­Featured Document Display
In honor of African American History Month, documents related to Rosa Parks’s Congressional Gold Medal will be on display. February 1–28, 2013, East Rotunda 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.


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 ExhibitDiscovering 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, February 18, for Washington’s Birthday.

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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