Esther Nighbert discusses her involvement with the Anacostia Community Museum from its opening in 1967 through 1972. She describes her role and her work, including serving as a secretary for John Kinard, assisting him with editing and re-writing various publications, and the various ways she provided support to the museum. She discusses the museum's impact on the neighborhood, its relationship with the Smithsonian Institution, and its influence nationally and internationally. She recollects various exhibits, events, youth programs, and the many individuals involved in managing, developing, and advising the museum.
The interview was conducted by Gail S. Lowe on September 1, 1992. Periodically, there is some minor background noise. The interviewee can be heard clearly throughout the recording.
Exhibitions mentioned: The Rat: Man's Invited Affliction, This Thing Called Jazz.
Biographical / Historical:
Esther Nighbert (1912-2004) was born in Hazelton, PA. She graduated from Emerson College in Boston and authored Handbook on Creative Dramatics. She lived in Washington DC for a time and served as a secretary to John Kinard at the Anacostia Museum from its opening in 1967 through 1972. She moved to Gainesville, FL in 1976. She was awarded the Eleanor Gordon Award for Lifetime Service to Unitarian Universalist Ideals and Humanist of the Year from the Florida Humanist Association. She was a member of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, served on the national board for INFACT, and was a member of United Farm Workers Ministry and Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice.
Provenance:
Conducted as part of the ACM 25th Anniversary Oral History Project, which includes approximately 100 interviews of residents and influential people of the Anacostia area of Washington, DC.
Restrictions:
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Please contact the archivist to make an appointment: ACMarchives@si.edu.