The Boeing Company Supports 'Fighting for Democracy' Exhibition at the National Archives

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At a celebration of the opening of the latest traveling exhibition at the National Archives: Fighting for Democracy: Who Is the "We" in "We, the People?" The Foundation for the National Archives recognized The Boeing Company for their continued support.

The exhibit, which opened Friday, January 29, 2010, in the Lawrence F. O'Brien Gallery of the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., is based on the lives, actions, and decisions of a diverse group of individuals who sought equal rights for their families and communities during World War II. It uses the war as a case study to begin discussion about how women and minorities have expanded the meaning of "we" in "We, the people." Following the experiences of seven people and tracing their stories throughout the pre-war, war, and post-war periods, the exhibit invites visitors to think critically about freedom, history, and ultimately, the ongoing experience of living in a diverse America.

Presented by the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, an educational program of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, Fighting for Democracy will be on view at the National Archives for one month, ending on February 28, 2010. The exhibit is made possible with major support from The Boeing Company and the U.S. Army Center for Military History, and with additional support by the Foundation for the National Archives. Boeing is also the national sponsor of the exhibit and its 10-city tour.

An opening reception in the National Archives' Rotunda Galleries and preview of the exhibition on Thursday, January 28, was hosted by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, with special guests Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and Akemi Kikumura Yano, president and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum.

"As a long-time partner of the Foundation for the National Archives, The Boeing Company is pleased to support JANM and Fighting for Democracy at the National Archives," said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "This extraordinary exhibit celebrates real people who challenged our nation to live up to its ideal of guaranteeing equal rights to all citizens – much as Sen. Inouye has done in a lifetime of sacrifice and public service."

"We are thrilled to receive the support of The Boeing Company for this event, and thank the company for its ongoing commitment to the National Archives' Boeing Learning Center, where teachers and students from around the country, as well as visitors to the National Archives Experience in Washington learn more every day about the records held in trust for the American people by the National Archives," Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero said.

"We appreciate so much the ongoing partnership with The Boeing Company," said Foundation President Ken Lore. "This support provided by Boeing is one way that the Foundation, with the help of our other generous contributors, continues to promote the National Archives and works to improve history and civics education nationwide."

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, educational literature, and historical/records-related products 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, DC 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 The Boeing Company

Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. As a major service provider to NASA, Boeing helps operate the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing has customers in more than 90 countries around the world and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales. Headquartered in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 150,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries.

SOURCE Foundation for the National Archives