Welcome toThe Anacostia Community Museum1901 Fort Place, SE Washington, DC 20020


Smithsonian Anacostia Museum

 


Calendar of Events

All programs, unless noted otherwise, are free of charge and open to the public, and held at 1901 Fort Place SE.

Accessible to people with physical disabilities.    


June

June 27
Saturday, 11;00 am
Family and Community History Series
Black Communities and Noted Citizens of Fauquier County, Virginia

Karen White, director of the Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County, Virginia, talks about the establishment of the Ashville, Blackwelltown, and Morgantown communities and their celebrations. For reservations, call 202.633.4844.

July


July 5
Sunday, 1:00 PM
Exhibition Related
What did Frederick Douglass say about the Fourth of July?

In 1852, prolific speaker and abolitionist Frederick Douglass gave a stirring speech about the promises of the Declaration of Independence and its failure to live up to the promise of freedom for black people in America. Actor Kevin McIlvaine, as Frederick Douglass, revisits the Fourth of July speech and offers insights into its message. This program is presented in partnership with the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. After the presentation, visit the Museum and the current exhibition, Jubilee: African American Celebration.
Location: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site,
1411 W Street SE., Washington, D.C. For more information, call 202.426.5961.

July 9
Thursday, 10:30 AM
Family and Comunity History Series-Video (57 MINUTES)
“Sweet Old Song”


Acclaimed African American musician Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong was renowned for a lifetime of jazz, blues, folk, and country music. When Armstrong, at age 73, met Barbara Ward, a sculptor thirty years his junior, a new chapter of his life and creative collaboration unfolded.
For reservations, call 202.633.4844.


July 14
Tuesday ,7:00 PM
East of the River Commuity Forum
The Community and the River:
Issues for the Community

This panel will examine the historical relationship of the Anacostia River and the east of the river communities as well as the impact of the larger city and region upon the river. The panel specifically focuses on what is in the river, how it got there, and current efforts underway to renew this waterway. For information and reservations, call 202.633.4875 or email ACMRSVP@si.edu.

July 15
Wednesday, 10:00 AM
Environmental Series
George Washington Carver and the Nature Trail

Walk the Museum’s Dr. George Washington Carver Nature Trail and learn how the principles of Kwanzaa are used to explain the benefits of natural recycling, the insect community, medicinal plants, and other outdoor offerings. The Museum’s trail walk is co-sponsored by the George Washington Carver Outdoor School, Inc. For reservations, call 202.633.4844.

July 18
Saturday, 10:30 AM
Family and Community History Series
Create a Personal Jubilee Journal

Begin documenting your personal jubilees through photographs, documents, and daily logs. Which holidays and celebrations meant the most to you throughout the years? What are your special traditions and memories that you would like to leave as a legacy for children and grandchildren? What memories do you want to hold on to for years to come? Recommended for age 8 and older.
Reservations and $10.00 fee required by July 10; call 202.633.4844.

July 22
Wednesday, 10:30 AM
Exhibition Related
Our Musical Instruments

Join musician and educator Bill Jenkins for a hands-on instrumental workshop. Learn about the roots of modern instruments and the special sounds of major instrument families. Participants will be introduced to musical instruments from communities around the world. Try a string, wind, or percussion instrument and experience the fun of playing in a band! For grades Pre-k to adult.
For reservations and more information, call 202.633.4844.


July 25
Saturday, 10:30 AM
Exhibition Related
Discussion and Book Signing
She Became a Pearl

The remarkable life and service of Nellie Quander is discussed by Rohulamin Quander. Nellie Quander, a descendent of slaves from the Mount Vernon plantation, became the first national president of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African American sorority. The book, Nellie Quander, An Alpha Kappa Alpha Pearl: The Story of the Woman Who Saved an International Organization relates the fascinating story of her life, including the time before she joined AKA, and explores many of her later accomplishments. A book signing will follow the discussion. For reservations, call 202.633.4844.


July 30
Thursday, 10:30 AM
Family and Community History Series Video
(30 minutes) and Discussion
Where Did You Get That Woman?

This award-winning film weaves the urban black experience in Chicago with blues and folk music. The film focuses on 77-year old Joan Williams, a spirited, enterprising woman who has rebounded from life’s hard knocks and, rather than retire to senior citizen’s housing, forges a new career as a powder room attendant in a Chicago nightclub. For reservations, call 202.633.4844

August

August 9
Sunday, 3:00 PM
Family and Community History Series Video
(30 minutes) and Discussion
Where Did You Get That Woman?
The film focuses on 77-year old Joan Williams, a spirited, enterprising woman. (See July 30).

August 15
Saturday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Exhibition Related
Jubilee: Family Fun Day

Spend a day of fun for the whole family. Take a one-of-a-kind tour through the exhibition, Jubilee: African American Celebration where the exhibition comes alive through storytelling, live music, and re-enactments. Griots tell exciting stories about Junkanoo Man; Wedding Woman; Negro League Player, Josh Gibson; Pinkster King; Mardi Gras Man; and Sarah Tate, a slave born in 1824. There will be arts and crafts workshops indoors and past time children’s games outdoors. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 202.633.4875.

August 19
Wednesday, 10:00 AM
Environmental Series
George Washington Carver and the Nature Trail

Learn about Dr. George Washington Carver and how the Museum’s nature trail uses Kwanzaa principles to explain environmental issues. (See July 15).

August 20
Thursday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Exhibition Related
Teacher Training Workshop
Bring a Celebration To Your Classroom

Teachers will explore the exhibition Jubilee: African American Celebration and learn how these observances and traditions can be used as a scaffold to teach oral history. The workshop will examine how to integrate the theme of celebration by using the artifacts and primary sources in the exhibition across the curriculum with focus on 21st-century skills. Free resources and professional learning units available for teachers participating in this workshop. Registration is required by Monday, August 10; email Linda Maxwell or call 202.633.4849.

August 29
Saturday, 11:00 AM
ExhibitioN Related
Our Musical Instruments

Join musician and educator Bill Jenkins for a hands-on instrumental workshop. (See July 22).


September

September 5
Saturday, 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Exhibition Related
Bid Whist and Hand Dancing

Jubilee looks at African American holidays and celebrations. When money was tight, some of the best celebrations took place in our homes. Join us for this celebration, bring your best ‘Five No Trump-Uptown’ and wear your Nineteens or FootJoys to this evening of elegant entertainment. Hand Dancing began in the 1920s with the Lindy Hop and transitioned through Jitterbug and Swing before being coined ‘Hand Dance’ in D.C. during the early 1950s. The harmonic partnership of a couple moving gracefully across the floor characterizes the Hand Dance some of us grew up on. This promises to be a trip down memory lane. Reservations are first-come, first-served, only. Limited capacity. Fee $10.00 per person.
For more information and reservations, call 202.633.4823

September 10
Thursday, 10:30 AM
Family and Community History Series -
Video (57 minutes)
“Sweet Old Song”

The story of African American musician Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong, known for a lifetime of jazz, blues, folk and country music. (See July 9).

September 12
Saturday, 10:30 AM
Family and Community History Series
Scrap It, Cook It!

Preserve those special family recipes by creating a scrapbook. Participants will bring in their favorite food ideas to share and preserve. Recommended for age 8 and older. Reservations and $10.00 fee required by August 27; call 202.633.4844.


September 15
Tuesday, 12:00 NOON to 2:00 PM
42nd Anniversary Luncheo
Jubilee: An Anniversary Celebration

Join us and celebrate the Anacostia Community Museum’s 42nd Anniversary! This special luncheon will be held at the National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, Washington DC. For information on corporate sponsorship opportunities, please contact Joanne Leese, 202.633.4841 or leesej@si.edu. Watch the mail for your personal invitation announcing our keynote speaker and guest entertainers. Tickets: $125.00 per person, business attire. For more information, please call 202. 633.4867, or email ACMinfo@si.edu.


September 26
Saturday, 11:00 AM
Exhibition Related
Our Musical Instruments

Join musician and educator Bill Jenkins for a hands-on instrumental workshop. (See July 22).

 
 
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