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NBC Profile |
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NBC PROFILE - SUMMER 2005
Speaker Series Brings Local Sites to Life at the DOI Library |
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By George Franchois
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The DOI Library's reference staff. |
Did you know that a monument erected to honor the original signers of the Declaration of Independence exists just across Constitution Avenue from the Main Interior Building? Why were these signers willing to risk death on the charge of treason against the English crown during the summer of 1776? What was the only government building in Washington not burned to the ground by the British during the War of 1812? What role did the first lady at the time have in saving a valuable piece of artwork from the flames of destruction? The answers to these and other questions about monuments and other sites in the Washington area can be found by attending the Park Ranger Speaker Series, a monthly lecture series held in the Department of the Interior Library.
The Park Ranger Speaker Series is a joint venture between the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior Library. These popular monthly lectures are intended to provide and expand knowledge for both DOI employees and visitors. Attendees learn about some of the important structures located on the National Mall and in the Washington area, as well as the work the Park Service does to preserve these sites. Locally-based National Park Service Rangers deliver 45-minute presentations in the DOI Library's Training Room on the history and background of these important sites and efforts that are used by the Park Service to maintain them for generations to come.
The Park Ranger Speaker Series has examined a number of interesting topics over the past several months. Park Ranger Lowell Fry presented a program entitled "Washington, DC and the Cold War" this past March. This program detailed how the Cold War effected the growth and development of Washington and its suburbs from the late 1940's through the 1980's, as well as how the threat of nuclear war impacted the psyche of all Washingtonians during that era.
On April 27, 1922, a grand parade of politicians, diplomats, and soldiers made their way from the White House to the reflecting pool at the west front of the Capitol Building to dedicate what was then Washington's newest monument, the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial. This past April in the Library, Ranger Kathryn Williams spoke about the life of the former President and Civil War hero, and the struggle to finance and build this majestic memorial in his honor.
The myths and legends surrounding the financing and construction of the Washington Monument were a major part of the May Ranger Series session. Park Ranger John Lockwood presented a program on the history of the Washington Monument, from its early planning stages at the beginning of the 19th century through its final completion and grand opening to the public in October of 1888.
In June, Park Ranger Carol Kelly delivered a presentation on the newest monument on the National Mall, the World War II Memorial. This program looked at the cultural and historical significance of features built into the new memorial, as well as the controversy behind its planning, construction, and eventual location.
The C&O Canal was the main topic of discussion during the July Park Ranger Speaker Series program. Ranger Rod Sauter presented a program detailing the role of the New Deal era's Civilian Conservation Corps in the revitalization of the canal and how the CCC employed young out-of-work African-American's from Washington and other cities in this worthwhile project.
The Park Ranger Speaker Series is far from over. Future sessions scheduled at the DOI Library for the next couple of months are as follows:
- September 20, 2005 - 1:00 pm. - The Burning of Washington (1814) - The legacy, myths, and legends of August 24, 1814, the date that British troops invaded Washington and set fire to the Capitol, White House, and most other federal buildings.
Continue your education on the history of the nation's capital by visiting the Library for the monthly Speaker Series and find out how the National Park Service plays an important role in preserving our nation's great heritage.
Visit our website, located at http://library.doi.gov , for more information about these upcoming Park Ranger Speaker Series programs and for additional programs to be scheduled soon. Also be sure to examine the Library collection, which contains a large number of books and journal articles dealing with the subject areas that are part of this lecture series.
If you have any questions, please contact the Library by phone at 202-208-5815, by e-mail at library@nbc.gov, or visit in person (Main Interior Building, Room 1151, off the C Street lobby). The DOI Library is part of the Department of the Interior University's Division of Cultural Resources and Events.
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