Native Washingtonian Florence Matthews (1891 – 1955) was the first Black woman to be appointed Director of Women’s Activities for the District Recreation Board. She also served as the first Director of the Barry Farm Recreation Center and organized sports and arts and crafts for local children. Matthews’s daughter described how her mother “loved the community” and thought of her work as a “joyous form of…employment.” One resident, reflecting on Matthews’s legacy and impact on the community, concluded “Everybody who grew up in Anacostia will remember Mrs. Matthews.”
In 1977, the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum’s Board of Directors voted to include Matthews’ portrait in “Phil Ratner’s Washington,” an exhibition honoring current and former Anacostia residents who contributed to the civic life of the community.