The Smithsonian Institute’s Anacostia Community Museum is celebrating its 50th year in existence this month, and has the distinction of being the first federally-funded community museum in the United States. The museum was first opened for Black residents east of the Anacostia River to hopefully inspire them to visit the larger Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.
The museum officially opened on September 15, 1967 with local community activist and pastor John Kinard as its director. Kinard’s placement in the role transformed ACM into one of the premier community museums of its era, and he served in the role from his appointment until his death in 1989 at the age of 52.
In 1987, the museum began undergoing certain shifts in focus, switching its exhibits between local and national African-American figures. With its new location in Fort Stanton, the museum rededicated itself to focusing on the history of local residents while still bringing in exhibits that highlighted African-American contributions from around the nation.
Today, Lori Yarrish serves as acting director. The museum is open 364 days per year, closing on Christmas.
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