Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives

Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives, History Museum, 1201 17th Street NW, Washington D.C., DC.

This historic site was one of the first public schools in the nation for African American children and currently houses records and artifacts related to DC Public School history and serves as a cultural venue, hosting programs, events, and exhibitions.

REMINDER: PROPOSALS DUE APRIL 17, 2026HURLBUT-WALKER MEMORIAL RESEARCH FORUM IS BACK!We are looking forward to reviving ...
04/10/2026

REMINDER: PROPOSALS DUE APRIL 17, 2026

HURLBUT-WALKER MEMORIAL RESEARCH FORUM IS BACK!

We are looking forward to reviving the Hurlbut-Walker Memorial Research Forum this summer in-person! If you are interested in sharing some of the research you have conducted on DC Public Education using the Sumner Archives or other collections in the city, please submit your proposals to us by April 17, 2026.
Hurlbut-Walker Memorial Research Forum:
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
We are accepting proposals through April 17, 2026 for our annual summer research forum with the following objectives:
Honor the Life, Memory, and Contributions of Richard L. Hurlbut and James D. Walker.
Introduce and Engage the public with aspects of the Sumner Museum Collection.
Promote the work and valued research of individuals who have used the Sumner Archives as one of their major resources for a finished work; i.e. book, dissertation, film, community project, personal project, etc.
Facilitate lively discussion about the culture, history, and legacy of DC Public Education.
The summer forum will occur monthly, June-August from 6:00-8:00pm in-person. Specific dates TBD. The forum is free and open to the public.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
If you are interested in being a featured speaker, please submit a summary of what you would like to present in 300 words or less. Be specific when referencing the completed work or if the work is in-progress. This includes, but is not limited to book, film, dissertation, thesis, community project, oral history project, etc. Your selected presentation must include significant use of the Sumner Museum Collection as a resource.

All submissions must include your name, mailing address, e-mail address, and professional/organizational affiliation.

For consideration, please e-mail your submission by C.O.B. April 17, 2026 to [email protected]. Notifications will be sent out by May 1, 2026.

We look forward to another outstanding series!

Class Action Reads! Nothing Less Than EqualityJoin the DC History Center for a highly anticipated lecture from historian...
03/30/2026

Class Action Reads! Nothing Less Than Equality

Join the DC History Center for a highly anticipated lecture from historian Tikia K. Hamilton about her new book Nothing Less Than Equality: The Battle over Segregated Education in the Nation’s Capital.

DATE & TIME
Tue, Mar 31, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

LOCATION
DC History Center (801 K Street NW)

We are sharing this on behalf of our friends at DC History Center and in support of one of our long-time researchers. CONGRATUALTIONS ON THE RELEASE OF YOUR BOOK, Tikia K. Hamilton!

For more information on how to attend the program and purchase" Nothing Less Than Equality: The Battle Over Segregated Education in the Nation’s Capital" written by Dr. Tikia K. Hamilton, please visit the DC History Center website: https://dchistory.org/events/

While you visit, take a look at all the exciting events and programming offered at the DC History Center over the upcoming months!



BETTY BROOKSBetty Brooks was a student and educator in DC Public Schools. She attended Shaw Junior High School and Dunba...
03/09/2026

BETTY BROOKS

Betty Brooks was a student and educator in DC Public Schools. She attended Shaw Junior High School and Dunbar High School, and later attended Miner Teacher’s College in D.C. Brooks was among the first teachers to enter integrated classrooms, and quickly became beloved and respected by parents, faculty, and students. After spending a brief time at what is now Oyster-Adams Middle School, Brooks was selected to teach at the Amidon Elementary School. A lifelong choir singer and lover of activities, the children in Ms. Brooks’ classes fondly remember music and class trips as central to their experiences. Her classroom was the research site for “many exciting visits” by author Carl F. Hansen, for his 1962 book, The Amidon Elementary School: A Successful Demonstration of Basic Education.” In this way, she contributed to a new era of public-school education, helping to shape not only children but systems.

Ms. Brooks would go on to become a principal for DCPS schools, and after retirement, remained heavily involved in the cultivation of youth education through establishing scholarships for Dunbar students. Brooks also was known as an avid tennis player and trained DC youngsters in the sport well after her retirement.

Ms. Brooks passed peacefully in June of 2015.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives
1) Betty Brooks With Students
2) Betty Brooks at Dunbar Alumni Reunion
3) Betty Brooks featured in the Varsity, Miner Teachers College
4) Betty Brooks with colleagues at Amidon ES



LUVENIA A. GEORGE, Ph.D.Luvenia A. George was a music educator and ethnomusicologist who greatly contributed to the land...
03/05/2026

LUVENIA A. GEORGE, Ph.D.

Luvenia A. George was a music educator and ethnomusicologist who greatly contributed to the landscape of music education in Washington, DC. Born in Chicago Illinois, Dr. George graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Howard University. She then went on to receive a Master's and Ph.D. in Music Education and Ethnomusicology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. After making Washington D.C. her home in 1953, she began her career as a teacher in DCPS, using her expertise to teach every level of from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Among her many accolades as an educator, Dr. George led the Wilson High School choir to compete in Vienna, Austria. This achievement made the choir the very first DC public school to compete in the prestigious competition.

Dr. George’s accomplishments extend beyond the K-12 classroom, as she was a beloved visiting lecturer in universities nationwide. After retiring from DC Public Schools, she joined the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in the Program in African American Culture. There she acted as a consultant on major exhibits, contributed to education kits, and directed music programs. Dr. George also co-authored a renowned curriculum kit, which would become a national model for cross cultural music education.

Dr. George passed at age 94 on December 28th, 2024.

Phot Credit: Courtesy of Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives
1) Dr. Luvenia A. George
2) Dr. Luvenia George Austrian Program (front and back)
3) Dr. Luvenia George Choir
4) Dr. Luvenia George with Fayard Nicholas
5) Dr. Luvenia George Directing Choir
6) Dr. Luvenia George with Choir



HURLBUT-WALKER MEMORIAL RESEARCH FORUM IS BACK!We are reviving the Hurlbut-Walker Memorial Research Forum this summer in...
03/04/2026

HURLBUT-WALKER MEMORIAL RESEARCH FORUM IS BACK!

We are reviving the Hurlbut-Walker Memorial Research Forum this summer in-person! If you are interested in sharing some of the research you have conducted on DC Public Education using the Sumner Archives or other collections in the city, please submit your proposals to us by April 17, 2026.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS
We are accepting proposals through April 17, 2026

HOW TO SUBMIT:
If you are interested in being a featured speaker, please submit a summary of what you would like to present in 300 words or less. Be specific when referencing the completed work or if the work is in-progress. This includes, but is not limited to book, film, dissertation, thesis, community project, oral history project, etc. Your selected presentation must include significant use of the Sumner Museum Collection as a resource.

All submissions must include your name, mailing address, e-mail address, and professional/organizational affiliation.

For consideration, please e-mail your submission by C.O.B. April 17, 2026 to [email protected]. Notifications will be sent out by May 1, 2026.

OBJECTIVES
Honor the Life, Memory, and Contributions of Richard L. Hurlbut and James D. Walker.
Introduce and Engage the public with aspects of the Sumner Museum Collection.
Promote the work and valued research of individuals who have used the Sumner Archives as one of their major resources for a finished work; i.e. book, dissertation, film, community project, personal project, etc.
Facilitate lively discussion about the culture, history, and legacy of DC Public Education.
The summer forum will occur monthly, June-August from 6:00-8:00pm in-person. Specific dates TBD. The forum is free and open to the public.

We look forward to another outstanding series!

03/03/2026

The theme of Women's History Month in 2026 is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” This theme celebrates the diverse contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational, and social justice movements.

Over the course of this month, we will highlight a number of DC's Educational Heroines.



CALLING ALL SUMNER SCHOOL ALUMNI AND AFFILIATES!We are excited to announce that we are collaborating with The Story of O...
03/02/2026

CALLING ALL SUMNER SCHOOL ALUMNI AND AFFILIATES!

We are excited to announce that we are collaborating with The Story of Our Schools to develop a permanent interpretive exhibit on the history and impact of Charles Sumner School! This will be the first exhibit fully exploring the history of our historic site. We plan to open the exhibit in Fall of 2027 to mark the Museum’s 40th Anniversary.
We need your help to build the story. If you fit one or more of these categories, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call 202-730-0478.

-Sumner School Alumni (attended Sumner School as a student)
-Engaged with/visited Sumner School as a student
-Has a family member living or deceased who attended or taught at Sumner School
-Have artifacts or other memorabilia related to Sumner School
-How You Can Help:

-Donate: Gift your item permanently to the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives.
-Scan/Photograph: Allow us to digitize your photos or documents—you keep the original!
-Oral History: Schedule a recording session to share your story.

We look forward to learning about your memories made at Sumner School!

A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION! We turn 40 years old this November! Throughout the year, we'll share notable Anniversary Momen...
02/27/2026

A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION!

We turn 40 years old this November!

Throughout the year, we'll share notable Anniversary Moments from our four decades of existence. Here's where we're kicking it off:

THE SUMNER BELL

We have reclaimed the title of our public communication, 'The Sumner Bell' which has not been used since 2002. From this issue forward, our newsletter will be referred to as 'The Sumner Bell.' From 1987 until 2002, the Museum issued 'The Sumner Bell' to inform public stakeholders of exhibitions and programs that were taking place at the Museum. We have the full run of them as part of our research collection and also documenting our institutional history.
-
-
-
-

A CENTURY OF BLACK HISTORY COMMEMORATIONS2026 is an exciting year of anniversaries! One very important anniversary is th...
02/26/2026

A CENTURY OF BLACK HISTORY COMMEMORATIONS

2026 is an exciting year of anniversaries! One very important anniversary is the acknowledgement of the 100th year of nationwide annual Black History commemorations. Kicked off in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Negro History Week was celebrated annually throughout the United States-- spearheaded through Woodson's organization then referred to as the Association of Negro Life and History and present-day known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The headquarters for this organization was started in Washington, DC and currently is a National Park Service historic site - and a short walk from Sumner School.

Carter G. Woodson, 'The Father of Black History' was closely connected with our schools, and even served as a principal of Armstrong Technical High School for a short period in 1915. With his base in Washington, DC, his presence and impact was felt immensely. Through our historic collections, we can confirm that Negro History week and later Black history month have been integral parts of the public schools since the commemorations started. The earliest note of celebrations in the public schools are noted in the board of education meeting minutes for February 5-11, 1928. According to the note, the plans were established at the end of the year in 1927 and recorded in the December 21, 1927 board meeting proceedings. Additionally, a school was named to honor Woodson and is now the site of Friendship Collegiate Academy Public Charter School.

To learn more about the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and the 2026 Black History theme emphasizing a century of Black History, click on the link below.
ASALH - The Founders of Black History Month | Black History Month_
_
_
_



02/26/2026

Tune in to a message from our Director about Museum happenings and exciting upcoming events and initiatives.

**After this recording, we received an update that the construction project will not start until Summer 2026. That means the Museum and Research Library will be open for the duration of the Spring Season! We can't wait to greet you!

December 2, 2025 is Giving Tuesday: Please consider contributing to Friends of Sumner School Museum and Archives, the no...
12/02/2025

December 2, 2025 is Giving Tuesday: Please consider contributing to Friends of Sumner School Museum and Archives, the non-profit entity that supports Sumner Museum. Your contribution will make a huge impact and every little bit helps. We appreciate whatever amount you decide to give. If you are able, we encourage a monthly contribution that provides more sustainability. No amount is too small. We appreciate your Support.

Grassroots generosity and community action are powerful forces for good, especially in turbulent times. We fondly recall the campaign that was strengthened by our community members to save the Sumner School building over 40 years ago. We are forever grateful for those pioneers then and truly grateful for all who continue to support us now and in the future! Your continued support helps us maintain the historic Sumner School building and Museum Collections for generations to come.

Housed in a historic African American school building, Sumner Museum is the official Museum and repository preserving the history of DC Public Education and emphasizing and interpreting national significance associated with the historic site. Your generous donation will support education programs, collections care and management and stipends for interns and fellows among other important initiatives. The Museum will celebrate 40 years in Fall of 2026. Consider making a donation today of $40 to honor our upcoming milestone or consider signing up for a monthly contribution of an amount of your choice to become a sustaining contributor which is most impactful to our mission.

Please share our campaign on social media with your friends and encourage them to follow us and make a lasting contribution.
You can find us on Meta (FB), Instagram, and YouTube.

Friends of Sumner 501c3 organization actively and directly supports programs, activities and the mission of Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives.

Please Donate HERE:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XUKCKP4EN36DG

Address

1201 17th Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20036

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(202) 730-0478

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category