Monday, December 01, 2008

Newseum to Host Inaugural Special Opening

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Newseum, located on historic Pennsylvania Avenue between the U.S. Capitol and the White House, will offer extended evening hours and special exhibits Jan. 20, 2009, to mark the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as the nation’s 44th president.

The Newseum — the only museum fronting the inaugural parade route — will open its doors to the public at 3 p.m. and remain open until 10 p.m., and will feature inaugural-themed exhibits, programs and experiences.

“We want to offer a gathering spot for the thousands of people who will be in Washington for this historic day but who may not have the prized inaugural ball tickets,” said Charles L. Overby, chairman and CEO of the Freedom Forum and CEO of the Newseum. “The Newseum is the perfect place to relive the glory of Inauguration Day while experiencing the history of other inaugurations and major news events.”

Visitors, who will be charged regular admission rates, will be able to see highlights from the new president’s swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural parade on the Newseum’s 40-foot-by-22-foot high-definition media screen and in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Big Screen Theater, where news can be viewed on a unique 90-foot-long video wall.

The Newseum will feature other presidential and inaugural exhibits, including historic inaugural front pages, an exhibit of historic front pages announcing Obama’s election as the nation’s first black president and a video review of famous inaugural speeches from past U.S. presidents.

Also on display will be a photo exhibit that takes a playful look at the history of canine companions in the White House. “First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Pets” features photographs and anecdotes about more than two dozen dogs and their owners, including George Washington — who not only owned, but also bred dogs — and President-elect Obama, who famously promised daughters Sasha and Malia that they had “earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House.”

Advance tickets for Jan. 20 may be purchased online at www.newseum.org or bought same day at the Newseum.

The Newseum blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on interactive exhibits. The world’s most interactive museum takes visitors behind the scenes of news and instills an appreciation of the importance of a free press and the First Amendment. The Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation dedicated to free press, free speech and free spirit, is the main funder of the Newseum’s operations. The Newseum, while independent of any media companies, receives additional support from foundations, media organizations and individuals.

Media contact:
Susan Bennett, 202/292-6310