National Archives Presents Free Public Programs Related to New Civil War Exhibit in June

WASHINGTON, May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Archives presents a special series of programming throughout June including author lectures, a panel discussion, and a film screening, inspired by its new major exhibit Discovering the Civil War.  The programs are free and open to the public and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Building on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW.  Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of 7th Street and Constitution Avenue.  

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Discovering the Civil War Part One, Beginnings, is featured in the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, through September 6, 2010.  The exhibit peels back 150 years of accumulated analysis, interpretation, and opinion to reveal a Civil War that is little-known and even more rarely displayed.  The exhibition offers visitors the chance to join researchers in unlocking secrets, solving mysteries, and uncovering unexpected events in the Civil War records of the National Archives. Museum Spring/Summer hours (through Labor Day) are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. The exhibition is presented by the Center for the National Archives Experience and the Foundation for the National Archives.

Lecture:  The Civil War in 3-D – Thursday, June 10, at 7 p.m.

In partnership with the Center for Civil War Photography, this illustrated lecture will feature 170 stereoscopic images taken during the Civil War.  Bob Zeller, president of the Center for Civil War Photography, and John J. Richter, director of imaging for the center, will present "Lincoln in 3-D." Audience members will be given 3-D glasses to enable them to step into the tableaux of many of the most famous photographs of Lincoln and the Civil War.

Film:  Gettysburg - Saturday, June 19, at noon

Based on Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Killer Angels, Gettysburg dramatically depicts three momentous days in American history as experienced by the leaders of the Confederate and Union armies. Filmed at the actual battlefield locations, this epic film displays painstaking attention to detail. Stars Martin Sheen and Jeff Daniels. (1993; 261 minutes) Please note—viewer discretion is advised.  Presented by the Charles Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film at the National Archives

Author Lecture:  Receding Tide: Vicksburg and Gettysburg - Wednesday, June 23, at noon

On Independence Day, 1863, not one but two pivotal battles ended in Union victory, marking the high tide of Confederate military fortune and ultimately dooming the South's effort at secession. In Receding Tide, Edwin Cole Bearss, a recognized expert on both Vicksburg and Gettysburg, tells the fascinating story of this momentous day in our country's history. A book signing will follow the program, and the book is available at a discount from the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) before and during the event.

Panel discussion:  Washington, DC, During the Civil War - Thursday, June 24, at 7 p.m.

At the start of the Civil War, Federal troops constructed a ring of defensive fortifications around Washington, DC. The forts saw limited military action, but nearby campaigns and skirmishes flourished. How did the war affect the Washington area, and what was the experience of those who lived and worked there? Moderated by Edna Greene Medford, associate professor of history at Howard University, panelists include:  Benjamin Franklin Cooling, professor of history, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, and author of Mr. Lincoln's Forts; Garry Adelman, senior vice president, Center for Civil War Photography; Hari Jones, curator and assistant director, African American Civil War Memorial; and Anthony S. Pitch, Washington, DC, history tour guide.   Book signings will follow the program, and the books are available at a 15% discount from the Archives Shop (202-357-5271) before and during the event.  This program is presented in partnership with the Friends of Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site and the Military Road School Preservation Trust.  

For information on National Archives Public Programs, call (202) 357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events online at: www.archives.gov.

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