Smithsonian Institution Archives

Records, 1966-1975

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FARU0265
Creators:
Anacostia Neighborhood Museum. Office of the Director
Dates:
1966-1975
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
4.5 cu. ft. (9 document boxes)
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
These records consist of materials documenting the following exhibitions: "Blacks in the Westward Movement;" "Buy Now Pay Later" (consumer problems exhibition); "Country Store;" "Drug;" "Sage of Anacostia;" and "The Rat: Man's Invited Affliction." In addition, there is John Kinard's correspondence; memoranda from William Warner, Assistant Secretary for Public Services; budgetary and travel materials; drafts, articles, and printed matter pertaining to ANM history and anniversary celebrations; files on community organization meetings at ANM; and photographs of D.C. Mayor Walter Washington celebrating D.C. community leader Stanley J. Anderson Day at ANM. Related records can be found in Record Units 99 and 145.

Historical Note

Historical Note
The beginning of the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (ANM) can be traced to the 1966 Aspen, Colorado meeting of the American Association of Museums. At that time S. Dillon Ripley suggested to the members that museum directors try to take their museums to the people of low income areas by renting store front buildings and creating relevant exhibits to arouse curiosity and stimulate motivation for further learning.
Upon his return, Ripley outlined his idea for a satellite museum. Charles Blitzer, then Director of the Smithsonian's Office of Education, chaired the committee to start the project. With the aid of his assistant Carolyn Bronheim, Benjamin Lawless, Assistant Chief of Exhibits, and Frank A. Taylor, Director General of Museums, the requirements for the satellite museum were defined.
After many meetings with community self-help groups, an advisory council was formed. This council was to function as liaison between the Smithsonian Institution and the community. On April 23, 1967, the newly formed council announced Anacostia in southeast Washington, D.C. as the community for the Smithsonian's first satellite museum. The abandoned Carver Theater was selected as the site.
In June 1967, the museum was formally named Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (ANM). John Kinard was chosen as the director and assumed his duties on July 1, 1967. ANM was officially opened September 15, 1967.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 265, Anacostia Neighborhood Museum, Office of the Director, Records

More Information

Notes

SI Records


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Kinard, John, 1936-1989 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Washington, Walter E., 1915-2003 Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Warner, William W. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Anderson, Stanley J. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Anacostia Museum Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Anacostia Neighborhood Museum Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Anacostia Neighborhood Museum. Office of the Director Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Blacks in the Westward Movement (Exhibition) (1975: Washington, D.C.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Buy Now Pay Later (Exhibition) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Country Store (Exhibition) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Drug (Exhibition) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Sage of Anacostia (Exhibition) (1969: Washington, D.C.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
The Rat: Man's Invited Affliction (Exhibition) (1969-1970: Washington, D.C.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museums -- Administration Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Manuscripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Clippings Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Black-and-white photographs Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Brochures Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
Contact us at osiaref@si.edu