Scope and Contents

This collection documents the activities of the Anacostia Historical Society between 1974 and 1992. It contains material related to the Society's administration, events, and membership. Included in the collection are administrative and financial records, correspondence, mailing lists, membership records, and printed materials.

Arrangement

The records are organized into six series. The Administration, Printed Materials, and Special Events series have been further arranged into subseries. The Printed Materials series is arranged chronologically; otherwise the content of each series and subseries is arranged alphabetically. The series are arranged as follows:

Series I: Administration, 1974-1992, contains materials related to the management and organization of the Anacostia Historical Society (AHS). The documents in this series include dues statements, meeting agendas and minutes, and membership lists. The meeting agendas and minutes present a comprehensive view of the scope of the Socety's political and social efforts on ehalf of the Anacostia community.

Series II: Anacostia Neighborhood Museum, 1975-1990, contains information on the Anacostia Neighborbood Museum's administration, events, and exhibits. The materials include administrative papers, event calendars, fliers, and membership documents. There are extensive records on the planning for the Museum's 10th Anniversary celebration and on the Anacostia Story 1608/1930 exhibit, which was developed in collaboration with the Anacostia Historical Society.

Series III: Correspondence, 1975-1985, is comprised of the Society's correspondence with its members, political representatives, and the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum. Also included in this series is correspondence generated by Alice Bell Finlayson in her effort to prevent the demolition of Birney School, where she served as principal for fourteen years.

Series IV: Printed Materials, 1975-1992, contains newspaper clipping, newsletters, and museum materials, which provide information on Anacostia's history and culture The materials include the Anacostia Historical Society's newsletters.

Series V: Slides, 1970-1974, contain color slides. Some of the images are from the San Francisco region and include pictures of the Market Street area of the city.

Series VI: Special Events, 1977-1987, contains materials related to enrchment events sponsored by the Society. Included are curriculum vitae and speeches from the lecture series, and general information on excursions to historical sites.

Biographical/Historical note

The Anacostia Historical Society ws established in 1974 to serve as "an organization of Anacostia residents and a committee of the Board of the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum...dedicated to the collection, preservation and understanding of its community's rich history and heritage." To this end, the coalition developed programs that provided opportunities for the entire city to learn more about the area. In 1977, this collaboration produced The Anacostia Story: 1608-1930, an exhibit which presented an expansive chronicle of life in the Anacostia area. The same year, with funding from the Smithsonian Institution and a grant from the D.C. Commmunity Humanities Council, the Society established a lecture series that addressed important issues in the community. Speakers included academicians, politicians, activists and community leaders. The Society continued its work through the 1990s; however, its records show a drop in participation and program events in the early 1980s. The latest indication of organizational activity is a meeting attendance sheet dated April 8, 1922, which indicates 6 members attended.