Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives

10/27/2020

Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives and Spingarn Legacy Group are partnering on an oral history project to document the stories of Spingarn High School’s alumni and educators. This project will take place as part of an ongoing collaboration between the groups to preserve and share the history of the school. We will begin by interviewing individuals from Spingarn’s earliest years – 1953 through 1966 – before proceeding through each era of its history to celebrate Spingarn’s legacy.

[email protected]

#SpingarnHS
#DCPublicSchools
#Greenwaves
#oralhistory
#SANKOFA
#Museums #DCMuseums #Archives #Research #DCHistory #History #Education #BlackEducation #AfricanAmericanHistory #Sumner #SumnerMuseum #CharlesSumnerSchool #ACreativeDC

10/22/2020

Join us TODAY for a special Reflective Conversation celebrating one year post-exhibition opening of "Profile Noire".

Please use the following ZOOM link to join the program at 6:30pm EST:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86231352242?pwd=azRpdTJyc09yeldnZWhzTGxOODZhQT09

Tonight's virtual program is free and open to the public.

10/19/2020

We cant wait to preserve your Spingarn stories!

10/16/2020

Profile Noire: One Year Later.

Join us virtually on October 22, 2020 at 6:30pm EST as we discuss The Profile Noire Exhibit's one year anniversary at Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives.

Register via here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-reflective-conversation-with-rhonisha-d-franklin-and-kimberly-springle-tickets-125358459527

08/27/2020

This evening is our virtual celebration of Spingarn HS: History, Legacy, Future!

We will begin the festivities at 6:30pm EST sharp. See you soon!

FOR ALL QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT: [email protected]

08/18/2020

Join us as we recall and celebrate the 61 year history of Spingarn Senior High School, the last segregated high school built in Washington, DC.

This virtual event will feature experts on the history of the school and reflections from an alumni panel spanning the 1950s through the 21st century about their personal experience and views on the future of the school legacy.

Whether you attended the school or simply interested in history, we invite you to engage and participate in our virtual event, 'Spingarn High School: History, Legacy, Future' on
Thursday, August 27th at 6:30pm EST.
The Zoom link will be provided to registrants one day prior to the event.

Register via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spingarn-high-school-history-legacy-future-tickets-117038718959

08/14/2020

SAVE THE DATE:
We are happy to share our next Hurlbut-Walker Research Forum will feature the Legendary Spingarn HS!

Register on Eventbrite DC here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spingarn-high-school-history-legacy-future-tickets-117038718959?ref=enivtefor001&invite=MTk4NTk2OTMvaW5mby5zdW1uZXJzY2hvb2xAZGMuZ292LzA%3D%0A&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&utm_term=attend

08/04/2020

We want to express our sincerest gratitude for your participation in our first ever Virtual programming!

For those who look forward to hearing the discussion, the entire program is now available to view on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6tJVo29Ysw&t=4131s

One participant exclaimed "It was so amazing! Ms. Burwell gave so little of herself, yet so much for us to embrace and absorb!"

Another viewer shared, "The interviews with the filmmaker and the artist were well conducted and brought out the amazing talents of both women!"

For updates on how to view the film, please visit www.KindredSpiritsFilm.com
For more on artist Lilian Thomas Burwell, please visit www.BurwellStudios.com

08/03/2020

The Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives is proud to announce our new Virtual Internship Program!

To inquire about opportunities with our Virtual Internship Program, please contact [email protected]

We'd like to introduce you to our first Virtual Intern, a rising junior at the historic Spelman College, Zoe Joyner!

08/02/2020

YOU CAN NOW SEE ARTIST LILIAN THOMAS BURWELL SPEAK!
Her energy...her spirit....her memories...her outlook on the future: ITS A MUST SEE!
It was one unforgettable evening - a story of two remarkable artists - and an amazing discussion on three phenomenal local women.

The entire program is available to view on the Sumner Museum YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6tJVo29Ysw&t=723s
Feel free to like, subscribe, comment and share!

One participant exclaimed, "It was so amazing! Ms Burwell gave so little of herself, yet so much for us to embrace and absorb!"

07/21/2020

DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR ARTIST LILIAN THOMAS BURWELL SPEAK!
Her energy...her spirit....her memories...her outlook on the future: ITS A MUST!

Register today!
Share the RSVP link with your friends. Encourage them to register. Join us this Thursday for
one unforgettable evening - a story of two remarkable artists - and a live discussion on three phenomenal local women. WHAT A TIME IT WILL BE!

To register for the live discussion via Zoom
on July 23rd at 6:30 p.m. EST,
RSVP on Eventbrite.

07/14/2020

There is still time to watch the newly released film, 'Kindred Spirits", on WHUT. Remaining dates and times listed on the flyer.

To register for the live discussion via Zoom
on July 23rd at 6:30 p.m. EST,
RSVP on Eventbrite. Link in the comments.

07/10/2020

TODAY IS THE DAY!

For viewers outside of the DC Metro Area, the Maupintown Film Festival is hosting a virtual screening of Kindred Spirits starting TODAY!

Friday, July 10, 2020.

Please locate details to view the virtual Screening when completing registration.

07/07/2020

We will convene online for a special discussion as part of the 2020 Annual Hurlbut-Walker Memorial Research Forum.
Join us Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. EST on the Zoom platform.
RSVP on Eventbrite. (Link provided below).

Be sure to watch the newly released film, 'Kindred Spirits", on WHUT. The viewing schedule starts TODAY. Dates and times listed on the flyer above.

For viewers outside of the DC Metro Area, the Maupintown Film Festival will host a virtual screening of Kindred Spirits on
Friday, July 10, 2020.
Please locate details to view the virtual Screening when completing registration.


To register for the live discussion via Zoom
on July 23rd at 6:30 p.m. EST,
RSVP on Eventbrite here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-event-w-filmmaker-cintia-cabib-artist-lilian-thomas-burwell-tickets-112498746780

For mor information, please email us at [email protected] .

07/07/2020

We will convene online for a special discussion as part of the 2020 Annual Hurlbut-Walker Memorial Research Forum.
Join us Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. EST on the Zoom platform.
RSVP on Eventbrite. (Link provided below).

Be sure to watch the newly released film, 'Kindred Spirits", on WHUT. The viewing schedule starts TOMORROW. Dates and times listed on the flyer above.

For viewers outside of the DC Metro Area, the Maupintown Film Festival will host a virtual screening of Kindred Spirits on
Friday, July 10, 2020.
Please locate details to view the virtual Screening when completing registration.


To register for the live discussion via Zoom
on July 23rd at 6:30 p.m. EST,
RSVP on Eventbrite here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-event-w-filmmaker-cintia-cabib-artist-lilian-thomas-burwell-tickets-112498746780

For mor information, please email us at [email protected] .

07/02/2020

Sumner Museum

Did you hear the news? We have a brand new YouTube Channel! Please click the link and subscribe! We will be uploading some amazing content and we want you to be the first to know. Once you subscribe, be sure to click on the notifications icon. We appreciate you sharing in our journey to illuminate the important history of the DC Public School System.

Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, located in Washington, DC is a historic African American School that currently serves as the official Museum and A...

05/26/2020

We are looking to enhance the collections related to some of Washington DC's elementary, junior high school and middle schools. We are seeking photographs, yearbooks, ephemera (programs, student handbooks, student newspapers,etc... and stories from those who spent their formative years or taught in elementary, junior hs and middle schools in the Nation's Capital.

Although the Museum is currently closed due to COVID-19, we have been doing our best to continue research services remotely for our patrons who would ordinarily be afforded the opportunity to research on site. Most recently, we have provided research services related to the following schools: Hart, Jefferson, Houston, Shepherd, C.W. Harris, Stanton, Eliot, and Hine.

We are seeking stories and materials for potential future collecting from the listed schools and others. If you have run across materials since you have been home that you would like to donate or if you want to share your story orally or scan a photo or ephemera for our digtial collection, we want to hear from you! Please feel free to message us with your contact information or e-mail us at: [email protected]

All Images courtesy of Sumner School Museum and Archives Historic Collection

05/18/2020

Kindred Spirits: Artists Hilda Wilkinson Brown and Lilian Thomas Burwell

It is International Museum Day and we are pleased to share one of the many ways selections from Sumner Museum collections are used beyond the research room.

Check out this wonderful film, 'Kindred Spirits' by filmmaker Cintia Cabib, documenting the life and work of two extraordinary artists and DC Public School educators, Hilda Wilkinson Brown and Lilian Thomas Burwell.

https://vimeo.com/419355161?ref=fb-share

"Kindred Spirits" explores the careers and unique relationship of an African American aunt and niece who, despite the hardships of the Great Depression…

05/04/2020

Over 100 years ago, on January 15, 1919, during the DC Board of Education meeting, the Superintendent praised DC Public School Teachers and Staff for their service to the District when the Influenza Pandemic forced the closure of schools the fall of 1918. It was noted that at least 448 faculty and staff immediately jumped in to support the community. Their selflessness “…contributed toward a common public good at a period of great stress.”

Sumner Museum's mission is to facilitate meaningful discovery, bridge the past and present all while fostering the pride our city shares in its public education system! The report stated the DC Public School Faculty and Staff supported the pandemic the following ways: Food prep and distribution to the sick, Nursing, Transportation and distribution of medical staff and supplies across the city; Making face masks and other helpful supplies/items; and Supply distribution and Office management.

Fast forward to 2020, and DC Public School faculty and staff immediately jumped into action in support of the community. This time technology allowed school to remain in session.

We were excited to find this jewel in the Museum archives just in time for Teacher Appreciation Week!

Sumner Museum encourages you to join us in a great big community THANK YOU to all our educators and support staff in DC and globally for continuing the important work of contributing toward a common public good for the community during this unprecedented time.

You all were essential to our city a century ago. You remain essential today!

THANK YOU.

#EducatorsROCK!
#HappyTeacherAppreciationWeek
#SANKOFA

(photo: Educator Betty Brooks working with students at Amidon ES, ca. 1950s)

05/04/2020

(Please feel free to share this post with all your fellow Mighty Green Waves).

04/02/2020

DEADLINE EXTENDED!!

Hurlbut-Walker Memorial Research Forum:
CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives is still accepting proposals through April 30, 2020 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 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, etc.

Facilitate lively discussion about the culture, history, and legacy of DC Public Education.

The summer forum will occur on one Wednesday of each month, June-August from 6:30-9:00pm. The forum is free and open to the public.

Call for Proposals for the following research forum dates:

June 10, 2020
July 15, 2020
August 12, 2020

HOW TO SUBMIT:
If you are interested in being a featured speaker, please submit a summary of what you would like to present in under 200 words. 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.
Please note which of the 3 dates you are available to present in order of preference.

For consideration, please e-mail your submission by C.O.B. April 30, 2020 to [email protected]. Submissions will be reviewed starting the week of May 4th and notifications will be sent out by May 8, 2020.

We look forward to another outstanding series!

03/30/2020

| coronavirus

In light of the latest Mayoral advisory and the District of Columbia being declared in a state of emergency, DC Government's adjusted operating status has been extended to continue to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).


Starting Monday, March 16 - April 24, 2020, the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives will be closed to the general public; including visitors, volunteers and researchers. Additionally all scheduled events and public programs for the months of March and April are canceled effective immediately.

In concordance with the current Mayoral advisory, the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives will resume normal operations on Monday, April 27, 2020.

Please check back with us toward the end of April for further updates.

Please visit coronavirus.dc.gov for accurate information and updates on our situation locally.

With Mayor Bowser adjusting the District of Columbia’s operating status in response to coronavirus (COVID-19), District residents may file for unemployment compensation. More information on how to file available at Recovery

03/13/2020

ATTENTION:

In light of the latest Mayoral advisory and DC being declared in a state of emergency, District of Columbia Government operating status has been adjusted to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Starting Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31, Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives will be closed to the general public; including visitors, volunteers and researchers. Additionally all scheduled events and public programs are canceled effective immediately.

In concordance with the current Mayoral advisory, the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives will resume normal operations on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

Please visit coronavirus.dc.gov for accurate information and updates on our situation locally.

03/13/2020

Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives's cover photo

03/13/2020

Please be advised that the event “A Conversation with Richard Smallwood” scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, has been canceled due to public health concerns. The event will be rescheduled for a later date.

For more information on the District Government’s preparations for potential impacts of COVID-19 Coronavirus, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov.

03/05/2020

We are working in collaboration with American University Public History Graduate Students and @humanities truck this semester to preserve and present the history and legacy of Spingarn HS. The students have been busy in the Archives researching and will be meeting with alumni and community members really soon. We are still seeking representation from all decades from the 1950s through the school's 2013 closure. If you are interested, send us a message: [email protected].

We were fortunate to collect lots of artifacts and documents prior to the school's closure. We are continuing to process the collection and will need to continue the work with alumni beyond this semester and assistance with identifying the significance of various artifacts and images like this one that was recently digitized.

Who do you know on this cheerleading squad? What exact year is this? Do you see yourself?

Old Time D.C. Spingarn Senior High School Spingarn Alumni Connection Spingarn Alumni Association, Inc. SPINGARN CLASS OF 80 ALUMNI Spingarn HS c/o 1993 Alumni Board

03/03/2020

Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives's cover photo

02/27/2020

Join us on March 14th as we celebrate DC's own world renowned gospel music star, Richard Smallwood on the occasion of his newly released autobiography, Total Praise.

Richard Smallwood spent his formative years in DC Public Schools where he attended Stanton ES, Browne JHS, Eliot JHS and graduated from McKinley High School before continuing his education at Howard University.

Our Museum Director, Kimberly Springle, will interview Smallwood and the conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing of Richard Smallwood's new publication.

For more information and to RSVP: [email protected]