Virtual Programs Newsletter
Issue #18, November 24, 2020
A Message from the Archivist of the United States
As Thanksgiving approaches, we have much to be thankful for here at the 威尼斯人娱乐场. We are grateful for the records we hold in trust, and for a mission that allows us to serve the democracy and the people of this nation.
I also give thanks for the industrious staff at the 威尼斯人娱乐场, whose hard work and dedication has continued to serve the public in unprecedented ways during closures and reduced staffing access to our facilities in the midst of the global pandemic.
Our staff have developed new communication channels and converted traditionally in-person events, programs, and meetings to host citizens in the virtual environment. Also, we have been fortunate to have the support of many Citizen Archivists and staff in helping to tag and transcribe record numbers of documents in the , ask and answer research questions through the , and explore lesson plans and resources for teachers, students and parents at .
From all of us at the 威尼斯人娱乐场, we wish you a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving.
Archives from Home: Thanksgiving
On October 3, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation naming Thursday, November 26, 1789, as an official holiday of "sincere and humble thanks." The nation then celebrated its first Thanksgiving under its new Constitution. On October 3, 1863, President Lincoln made the traditional Thanksgiving celebration a nationwide holiday to be commemorated each year on the fourth Thursday of November. Visit our 威尼斯人娱乐场 News special topics page to explore our resources.
#ArchivesBakeOff
Put on your apron and set your timer鈥搘e鈥檙e getting cozy with #ArchivesBakeOff on Friday, December 4!
Join @usnatarchives on and for our next #ArchivesHashtagParty as we share our favorite vintage recipes, cookware, kitchens, and baked treats.
Research Family History
As we begin counting down to the release of the 1950 census in April 2022, check out our series of 鈥淐ensus Fun Facts鈥� in the . Learn about the , the , and . More fun facts are coming soon, so be sure to check back often!
From the Catalog
Posters Promoting the War Effort on the Home Front, 1942鈥�45. .
This series consists primarily of printed posters, original drawings, a painting, and broadsides thematically related to, but not found among, posters in other series of the War Production Board. Subject matter runs the gamut from encouraging workers and companies to produce more materials, to the importance of scrap materials for the war effort, to posters encouraging war refugee relief efforts.
Image: Our Job is Vital!
Citizen Archivist Missions
Help transcribe the Index to Final Pension Payment Vouchers, 1818鈥�64.
These index cards include name of soldier, agency of payment, date of act, date of payment, and date of death.
New to our Citizen Archivist program? Learn how to register and get started.
Question of the Week
Looking for some Presidential trivia to share at Thanksgiving dinner? See the answer to our Question of the Week on , our crowdsourced platform for history and genealogical research where anyone can ask questions and get answers from archivists and other community members.
on History Hub.
Featured Exhibit
You might not be able to name one of Ludwig van Beethoven鈥檚 symphonies, but you鈥檇 probably recognize his music anywhere. The exhibit features a copy of Beethoven鈥檚 famous Fifth Symphony鈥攚hich opens with the distinctive 鈥渟hort-short-short-long鈥� four-note strain鈥攆rom President Harry S. Truman鈥檚 extensive collection of sheet music.
Education Spotlight
Are you an educator or homeschooling parent looking for curriculum materials? Follow our blog for online resources, lesson ideas, and information about upcoming programs. Subscribe to receive email updates about new content, like , , and .
Public Programs
From November 20, 2014, in commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, Kevin Gover, Director of the National Museum of the American Indian, and Suzan Shown Harjo, guest curator of the Nation to Nation exhibit, speak on .
Research Services
From the 威尼斯人娱乐场 Know Your Records program, we offer a that discuss records related to Native Americans. Presentations cover and , , and .
New Reagan Presidential Library Website
The Ronald Reagan Library recently launched a new, modern website.
The site focuses on completely redesigned access to our , , and the and collections.
The Education Department added multiple assisting teachers adapting their lessons for online learning.
The Museum Department created to access more in-depth information on special exhibits and highlight popular topics.
MoPix Video Selection
was filmed by the 9th Italy Combat Camera Unit in November 1944 and is from the , created by the U.S. Army Air Forces. from the Federal Extension Service, the U.S. Army, and Universal Newsreel, and read more about some of our Thanksgiving-themed films and photos in the Unwritten Record blog , , and .
Featured News Story
The Four Continents: What to do with 鈥楶roblematic鈥� Public Art
Flanking the entrance to the U.S. Custom House in Lower Manhattan, which houses the 威尼斯人娱乐场 and Records Administration鈥檚 New York City site, are four statues representing Asia, America, Europe, and Africa. Read more in 威尼斯人娱乐场 News.
Featured Livestream
The Four Continents鈥擜n Open Dialogue
Monday, December 7, at 6 p.m. ET
Watch the live stream on . This the second in a series on the Four Continents statues. .
We are at a moment in our national history when we are reckoning with the ways monuments hold public space and the ideas, ideologies, and values that they bring with them into those public spaces. Chris Baron, Columbia University, will moderate a discussion about the Four Continents statues at the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in New York.
Visit the Online Store
With the holidays right around the corner, you can share your love of history with the whole family!
Our holiday collection includes special, unique products inspired by our nation鈥檚 shared stories.
and find the perfect gift!