National Archives Holds Genealogy-related Programs in September 2011

The following news release is from the National Archives Press Website:

Washington, DC… In September, the National Archives will feature genealogy-related programs highlighting records from its holdings, including two programs on the upcoming April 2, 2012, release of the 1940 census. These programs are free and open to the public, and will be held in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Visitors to programs in the National Archives Building Research Center (Room G-24) should use the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. Please note that two of the programs will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland, located at 8601 Adelphi Road. See directions to both locations.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Ombudsman
Tuesday, September 6, at 11 AM, Research Center Room G-24
The staff of the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) discusses OGIS’s role in the FOIA landscape and how researchers can make use of their services. (The lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, September 8, at 11 AM)

Introduction to Genealogy: Military records
Wednesday, September 7, at 11 AM, Research Center Room G-24
Archives staff present a lecture on basic genealogical research in Federal records. This lecture is offered the first Wednesday of the month. This month’s focus is on military records.

Beyond the Basics: Census Search Strategies
Saturday, September 10, at 10 AM., Research Center Room G-24
Archives staff teach “beyond the basics” archival research skills for genealogists on census search strategies.

“Help! I’m Stuck”
Saturday, September 10, noon–4 PM, Research Center Room G-24
Not sure where to begin? Has a genealogical problem stumped you? An archivist is available from noon to 4 PM to answer genealogy research questions. Sign up for a 20-minute appointment at the Microfilm Research desk in room G-26 on Saturday.

Women of the Polar Archives
Tuesday, September 13, at 11 AM., Research Center Room G-24
Audrey Amidon, National Archives motion picture preservation specialist, will discuss her Prologue magazine article “Women of the Polar Archives: The Films and Stories of Marie Peary Stafford and Louise Boyd.” (The lecture will be repeated at the National Archives at College Park, MD, in Lecture Room B, Thursday, September 15, at 11 AM)

Beyond the Basics: Introduction to the 1940 Census
Wednesday, September 21, at 11 AM, Research Center Room G-24
Archives staff teach “beyond the basic” archival research skills for genealogists on the third Wednesday of the month. Constance Potter, staff archivist, describes the 1940 census, which will be released April 2, 2012.

The National Archives Building is fully accessible. To request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program, please email public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 at least two weeks prior to the event. To verify the date and times of the programs, the public should call 202-357-5333, or view the Calendar of Events online.

Did you miss the National Archives Genealogy Fair: Become Your Family’s Detective April 20-21, 2011? Some materials and PowerPoint presentations are now online [www.archives.gov/dc-metro/know-your-records/genealogy-fair/2011/handouts/].