Residents Rally to Save Anacostia Community Museum

July 16, 2025

The Anacostia Community Museum in Southeast D.C., a Smithsonian Institution museum focused on Black culture and local history, faces complete defunding in the latest federal budget, losing its $3 million allocation. Community members, including visitors like Crystal Overby and her son Topey, have expressed concern about potentially losing this cultural institution which has documented African American experiences since 1967. The museum's director, Melanie Adams, noted that a proposed solution to merge it with the National Museum of African American History and Culture would not adequately preserve its unique focus on hyperlocal stories from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Who is affected

Local community members in Ward 8 and Southeast D.C.
African American visitors seeking cultural connection
Children and students learning about Black history and art
Museum staff and employees
Residents of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia whose stories are featured
Organizations that partner with the museum for exhibits
Boy Scouts and other youth groups using the museum for educational purposes

What action is being taken

The Anacostia Coordinating Council is convening a "Save Our Museum" committee
Community meetings are being held to discuss the museum's funding crisis
Museum supporters are organizing to educate lawmakers about the museum's importance
Local clergy and faith leaders are advocating for the museum's preservation
The museum's director is working to educate people on Capitol Hill about the museum's value

Why it matters

The museum represents a rare space dedicated to Black culture and history in the community
It was the first federally funded community museum in the United States
The museum tells unique, hyperlocal stories that differ from those at other Smithsonian museums
It serves as an accessible cultural institution east of the Anacostia River in a predominantly Black area
The museum documents African American experiences specific to D.C. and surrounding areas
It provides educational resources for local youth and students
The museum has been a cultural fixture in the community since 1967

What's next

The Anacostia Coordinating Council will formally announce the convening of the Save Our Museum committee at its July 29 meeting
No explicit next steps stated in the article regarding potential funding restoration or legislative action

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer