Existing comment:
East of the River: Continuity and Change:
Thirty-one years ago, the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum decided to explore the history of Far Southeast. Historian Louise D. Hutchingson developed a powerful exhibition and publication, The Anacostia Story 1608-1930, and educator Zora Martin [Felton] created complementary programming that focused on the history of individuals, families, and neighborhoods in Far Southeast -- that part of the District of Columbia that lies south of Pennsylvania Avenue and east of the Anacostia River.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the founding of what is now called the Anacostia Community Museum, we example Far Southeast once again to try to answer several crucial questions. What has been the history of this place? How did it get like this? What kind of people lived here? Who lives here now? What has become of the community since 1930 (the end of The Anacostia Story) and the opening of the museum of 1967?
The overwhelming impression is one of change, sometimes steady and constant, and at other times cyclical, disruptive -- even violent. Change is the underlying theme in the history of Far Southeast. It begins with the appearance of the first Europeans and the resulting change in the lives of the Native American people residing here. It continues with the development of new communities such as Uniontown and Barry Farm. The growth of modern infrastructure transforms land use in the area, in later years, the concentration of dense housing complexes here after World War II alters the nature and make-up for Far Southeast.
And yes, continuity of local traditions also characterizes the neighborhoods of Far Southeast -- traditions of citizen activism, strong families, and men and women determined to achieve despite the odds. There also remains an abiding underpinning of civic activism, leadership, and community -- a network of individuals, families, religious institutions, and organizations that connects the dynamic history of Far Southeast through all of the changes. Now is a good time in which to look back at this history and at the residents and people attached to Far Southeast to see where we have been and what we have done, to recognize what we have endured and overcome, and to understand what we share in common, in order to build a future that embodies the goals and objectives we share. |