Texas Instruments Donates State-of-the-Art Projection System to the National Archives

Foundation for the National Archives' longtime partner expands educational support

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments, a longtime supporter of the educational initiatives at the National Archives Experience, has donated a new state-of-the-art projection system to the Foundation for the National Archives for the National Archives' William G. McGowan Theater.

The donation of a DLP Digital Cinema projector and associated equipment from Texas Instruments' DLP Products and Christie Digital Systems enables the theater to present 2K resolution digital files, representing the best image quality available.

The theater will begin using the new projection system for film showings this fall, including the September 22 screening of the 1995 Academy Award-winning film A Time for Justice -- a documentary on the Civil Rights movement presented at the 5th Annual Charles Guggenheim Tribute Program – as well as the 8th Annual showcase of Academy Award® nominated documentaries and short subjects in February 2012.

"This generous donation will allow the McGowan Theater and The Guggenheim Center for the Documentary Film at the National Archives to keep pace with the growing trend in documentary filmmaking to produce and distribute films as high-quality digital files rather than on film, videotape, or DVD," said Tom Nastick, public program producer at the National Archives. "In addition, the equipment improves the image quality of HD and standard definition video presented in the theater."

Texas Instruments was a generous contributor to the development of the National Archives Experience, and has supported the Foundation for the National Archives' scholarship program for teachers attending Primarily Teaching Institutes at National Archives facilities around the country. Their support also helped make possible the revolutionary website DocsTeach, which is being used by thousands of history, civics, math, and science teachers nationwide to create and share lesson plans based on primary sources from the National Archives.

"We are extremely grateful to Texas Instruments for all they have done to support the National Archives' educational outreach," said Thora Colot, executive director of the Foundation for the National Archives. "This donation, in particular, is a wonderful tribute to our former Foundation president, the late Charles Guggenheim, who helped the National Archives create a state-of-the-art venue for the public to view its stunning collection of documentary films. Texas Instruments' donation ensures that the McGowan Theater can continue to present these films with the latest, high-quality equipment. It is fitting that this equipment will be used in this week's screening of Charles' own award-winning documentary."

"We're pleased that TI technology can contribute to the educational experience of visitors to the National Archives," said Paula Collins, TI vice president of Government Relations. "Our country's future depends on our ability to innovate and be competitive.  As students learn about our country's past, these resources will also keep them engaged and inspire innovation that's such a critical part of our future."

About the Foundation for the National Archives

The Foundation for the National Archives is an independent nonprofit that serves as the National Archives' private-sector partner in the creation of and ongoing support of the National Archives Experience, which includes permanent exhibits, educational programs, traveling exhibits, special events and film screenings, and historical/records-related products, publications, and media. The Foundation helps the public understand the importance of the holdings of the National Archives by presenting the depth and diversity of the records through award-winning, interactive educational exhibits and programs. It generates financial and creative support for the National Archives Experience from individuals, foundations, and corporations who share a belief in the importance of innovative civics education.

About the National Archives Experience

The National Archives Experience, created by the National Archives in partnership with the Foundation for the National Archives, has transformed the visitor experience at the National Archives' Washington, D.C. building, and includes a renovated Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the award-winning Public Vaults permanent interactive exhibition, the William G. McGowan Theater, the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery for special exhibits, the Boeing Learning Center, and the Digital Vaults online exhibit. These components make the rich resources of the National Archives accessible to Americans nationwide

About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through design, sales and manufacturing operations in more than 30 countries. For more information, go to www.ti.com.

SOURCE Foundation for the National Archives