The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum marks its 40th anniversary with a gala celebration Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007 on the grounds of the museum at 1901 Fort Pl. S.E., Washington, D.C. Themed “Celebrating a History, Building a Future,” the festive semiformal event pays tribute to the nation’s first federally funded community museum dedicated for four decades to documenting, preserving and interpreting African American history from a community perspective. The affair will offer a preview of the commemorative exhibition “East of the River: Continuity and Change” (opening Sept. 15 to the public), which looks at the history and community life of neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River from their Native American beginnings to the present.
Renowned poet Maya Angelou chairs the gala host committee, and WUSA-TV Anchor J.C. Haywood is the mistress of ceremonies for the celebration, which includes the presentation of the Legacy Award to five persons who have made significant contributions to the African American community or the museum: Catherine L. Hughes, founder, Radio One Broadcast Systems; Wynton Marsalis, master jazz artist; Bernice Johnson Reagon, scholar, composer and singer; John R. Kinard (posthumously), Anacostia Community Museum founding director; and S. Dillon Ripley (posthumously), former Smithsonian secretary (1964-1984).
Set in an elegant tented outdoor environment, the gala features a silent art auction, open bar, specialty delicacies and desserts, and live entertainment, including jazz, West African, Native American and African American cultural presentations, and dance music from “doo wop” to today’s sounds. VIP guests also will enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes museum tour and much more. Gala proceeds will benefit the museum. For more information or tickets call, (202) 633-4875 or visit anacostia.si.edu.
