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The Thin Light of Freedom: The Civil War and Emancipation in the Heart of America
  • Date: Wednesday, November 29, 2017
  • Time: 5:00 pm
  • Location: William G. McGowan Theater, Washington, DC

While a destructive and bloody war raged across Virginia in the aftermath of Gettysburg, free black families sent husbands and sons to fight with the U.S. Colored Troops. In letters home, they spoke of a war for emancipation. In The Thin Line of Freedom, historian Edward L. Ayers discusses the end of slavery, Reconstruction, the Freedmen’s Bureau, and a new society struggling to emerge.

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).

Reserve a seat

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.