ACM traces its founding to the civil rights era—a period that advanced some of the most enduring social change in our country’s history. Originally established as the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum in 1967, the museum’s exhibits and programs sought to preserve and share the rich history and culture, vibrancy, and contributions of Anacostia’s African American community. At the time, ACM pioneered a community-centered approach to curation and the development of its programs and exhibitions. Viewed as groundbreaking, this innovation opened the door to greater inclusion in the sector—giving rise to community-based museums across the country, who made it their mission to recount stories often overlooked or undervalued by traditional arts and cultural institutions.
