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, 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.
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.
Rowena Stewart, former Director of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, the African American Historical and Cultural Museum, and the Motown Historical Museum and the American Jazz Museum, discusses the influence the Anacostia Community Museum had in introducing African American heritage in a museum setting, in serving the Anacostia neighborhood, and in supporting other emerging African American cultural institutions in the 1960s and 1970s. She discusses meeting John Kinard, and the guidance he provided in presenting history through exhibitions and educational programs. She shares her memories of the early days of the Anacostia Museum, the effects of its move from the Carver Theater to the current location, and its ongoing influence.
The interview was conducted by Gail S. Lowe on May 11, 1992. There is background static throughout the recording, but the interview can be heard clearly.
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.
Joy Ford Austin, a former Executive Director of the African American Museums Association, discusses her earliest experiences with, and her recollection of the evolution of the Anacostia Community Museum. She highlights the important role that John Kinard played in leading the Museum, and in being an original voice advocating for social responsibility in museums. She discusses the first exhibitions she recalls viewing at the museum, the Blacks in the Western Movement, and The Frederick Douglas Years exhibits. She also reflects on the purpose and influence of the museum over time.
The interview was conducted by Joanna Banks on May 16, 1992. There is some static throughout the recording, but the interviewee can generally be heard clearly.
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.
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![view General Correspondence, 1975 digital asset: Letter from S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, to the Honorable John J. Rooney of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the involvement of the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum in Kwanza celebrations. Dated February 21, 1974. [Image numbers SIA2016-011463 and SIA2016-011464]](https://ids.si.edu/ids/deliveryService?max=170&id=https://sirismm.si.edu/siris/electronicresource.gif "Letter from S. Dillon Ripley, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, to the Honorable John J. Rooney of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the involvement of the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum in Kwanza celebrations. Dated February 21, 1974. [Image numbers SIA2016-011463 and SIA2016-011464]")
