For the past eight years Urban Waterways, a collaborative Smithsonian project led by the Anacostia Community Museum, has explored the relationship between urban waterways and their surrounding communities. Some of the issues examined include urban development, urban waterways and diverse populations, community activism, and development and river ecology.

On Saturday, September 8, 2018, as part of our ongoing series of community-centered conversation, we will be hosting a community forum, Year of the Anacostia. The aim of the discussion is to provide a space for reflection on the significance of past year’s celebration of the Anacostia. What has been celebrated? What are the natural and cultural resources that are integral pieces in the foundation of an equitable, sustainable city? What challenges remain? What does a reclaimed river mean for all residents?

JIM CONNOLLY Anacostia Watershed Society
GEORGE HAWKINS Formerly General Manager, D.C. Water
TARA MORRISON Superintendent National Capital Parks — East
ADAM ORTIZ Director, Department of the Environment, P.G. County
BRENDA RICHARDSON Formerly Earth Conservation Corps

ACM will also be celebrating the opening of our newest exhibition, Capturing The Anacostia River. Inspired by the Year of the Anacostia’s call to celebrate the history and progress along the river, the exhibition draws on a decade of documentation to present moments which challenge stigmatizing narratives about the life of the Anacostia River and its people.

The reception will take place immediately following the forum from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.