Inside the Vaults at the National Archives
“George Washington and The Paparazzi”
This Inside the Vaults video short highlights a letter written by President George Washington to his friend, Gov. Henry Lee of Virginia, on July 3, 1792. In the letter, Washington turns down the request of the artist William Williams, who wished to paint the President’s portrait. National Archives curator Alice Kamps — who chose the letter and curated its exhibit at the National Archives — describes painters as the 18th-century equivalent of today’s paparazzi. Alexandria-Washington Masonic Lodge 22 Archivist Hans Pawlisch tells the story of how Williams’ eventual portrait of Washington came to hang in the Lodge. Click
here to learn about this interesting piece of history.
Upcoming Alexandria Library Events
The Hairstons: An American Family in Black and White – An Author Talk by Henry Wiencek – Wednesday, September 9 – 7 – 8 pm
Author Henry Wiencek discusses his book, “The Hairstons: An American Family in Black and White,” as part of our Summer of Social Justice programming. To register click
here.
The Most Famous Woman in Baseball – An Author Talk by Bob Luke
Thursday, September 10 – 7 – 8 pm
Author Bob Luke joins us to discuss his book “The Most Famous Woman in Baseball: Effa Manley and the Negro Leagues.” Never one to mince words, Effa Manley once wrote a letter to sportswriter Art Carter, saying that she hoped they could meet soon because “I would like to tell you a lot of things you should know about baseball.” Click
here to register for this interesting discussion.
