To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain perpetually a child. For what is the worth of a human life unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?

- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 B.C.

We've referenced the National Archives and Records Administration a number of times* on SeniorWomen.com and want to remind you of the genealogical workshops and records research offered by the  Administration:

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever.

Those valuable records are preserved and are available to you, whether you want to see if they contain clues about your family’s history, need to prove a veteran’s military service, or are researching an historical topic that interests you.

NARA offers the public a comprehensive program of genealogical workshops and courses in its facilities nationwide. Topics include an introduction to genealogy and research into records such as census schedules, military service and pension records, and passenger lists.

July

Open Forum, Philadelphia, PA, July 2
Census, Passenger Lists, and Naturalization Records, Boston, MA, July 6
Beginning your Genealogy Research at NARA, Pittsfield, MA, July 7
Brick Wall Discussion Group, Seattle, WA, July 8 
National Archives Online, Seattle, WA, July 10
Overview of the National Archives, Seattle, WA, July 10
Researching French Canadian Ancestors, Pittsfield, MA, July 13
Using Federal Census Records, Pittsfield, MA, July 21
Beginning your Genealogy Research at NARA, Pittsfield, MA, July 24
Using Federal Census Records, Pittsfield, MA, July 24
Genealogy on the Internet, Pittsfield, MA, July 24
Finding your Immigrant Ancestors at NARA, Pittsfield, MA, July 24
Digital Scrapbooking Hands-On Workshop Atlanta, GA, July 31

August

Introduction to Genealogy, Boston, MA, August 3
Researching African American Ancestors, Pittsfield, MA, August 4
Researching Polish Ancestors, Pittsfield, MA, August 5
Preserving your historical records, Philadelphia, PA, August 6
Beginning your Genealogy Research at NARA, Pittsfield, MA, August 6
Brick Wall Discussion Group, Seattle, WA, August 12 
Researching Irish Ancestors, Pittsfield, MA, August 12
Using Federal Census Records, Pittsfield, MA, August 13
Examining the 1940 Census, Pittsfield, MA, August 18
Using Military Records at NARA, Pittsfield, MA, August 20

September

Brick Wall Discussion Group, Seattle, WA, September 9

Separate genealogy programs are conducted in Washington, DC, and in the regional facilities. For details on any given program, please contact that facility directly.

*Editor's Note: We've posted alerts about other National Archives treasures in the past such as:

"But it's the National Archives that remains a reserve of unsung, untapped records and photographs, such as the picture of Army Air Force Sergeant Joe DiMaggio and Navy Chief Specialist Harold "Pee Wee" Reese autographing baseballs for commanding officers before their respective teams play for the Central Pacific Area Service Championship on July 7, 1944."