National Archives Program Explores the Equal Rights Amendment

Washington, DC. . . In conjunction with its exhibition “Amending America,” the National Archives presents an evening discussion on
Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m., titled “The Equal Rights Amendment:
Yesterday and Today.” The program is free and open to the public,
reserve your seat online or click to watch a live stream on the
National Archives YouTube channel. Presented in partnership with the
National Woman’s Party at the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National
Monument.

“The Equal Rights Amendment: Yesterday and Today”
Written in 1921 by suffragist Alice Paul, the Equal Rights Amendment
(ERA) was introduced into every session of Congress between 1923 and
1972, when it was passed and sent to the states but failed to achieve
the necessary three-fourths ratification. Proponents are strongly in
favor of the ERA, but some still argue against it. What are the pros
and cons of the ERA, and could it become ratified?

A distinguished panel will explore the proposed amendment and its
implications in today’s world. Moderated by Page Harrington, Exec.
Director, National Woman’s Party at the Belmont-Paul Women’s
Equality National Monument, panelists include E. Faye Williams,
President/CEO, National Congress of Black Women, Inc.; Robyn Muncy,
Professor of History, University of Maryland; Kyle Ciani, Chair of
History, Illinois State University; and Kris Myers, Director of
Programs, Alice Paul Institute. 

“Amending America,” a new exhibition celebrating the 225th
anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, will be on
display in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives
Museum in Washington, DC, through September 4, 2017. 

Featuring more than 50 original documents from the National Archives,
this exhibit highlights the remarkably American story of how we have
amended, or attempted to amend, the Constitution in order to form "a
more perfect union."  Amending America is presented in part by the
National Archives Foundation through the generous support of AT&T,
HISTORY®, and the Lawrence F. O'Brien Family.

Read more about the exhibit in Prologue Magazine:  "Amending America"
Exhibit Shows How Changes in the Constitution Affect the Way Our
Democracy Works

The National Archives is located on the National Mall on Constitution
Avenue at 9th Street, NW.  Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green
lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.  National Archives
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving and
December 25.  For information on National Archives public programs,
call 202-357-5000 , or view the Calendar of Events online
at: www.archives.gov/calendar.