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This Grand Experiment: When Women Entered the Federal Workforce in Civil War–Era Washington, DC
  • Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2018
  • Time: 4:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC

The need for soldiers during the Civil War reduced the ranks of male employees in the government. As a result, federal employment was offered to women. As described by Jessica Ziparo in her book This Grand Experiment, women saw this as a rare chance to obtain well-paid, challenging work. Despite discrimination, prejudice, and harassment, women persisted and succeeded in making their presence in the federal workforce permanent.

A book signing will follow the program. Purchase this book on the day of the event from the National Archives Store and receive a 15% discount (members get 20% off).

All public programs at the National Archives are free and streamed live online via the National Archives’ YouTube channel. Reservations are recommended; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors to the building will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the program. Use the Special Events entrance on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. Click here for more information on getting to the National Archives and parking.

Live captioning will be available online and in the William G. McGowan Theater. If you require an alternative or additional accommodation for an event (such as a downloadable transcript or a sign language interpreter), please send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202.357.5000 in advance.