For Immediate Release: July 11, 2013
Media Contacts: Emma Filar, Marketing & Communications Associate
Visit the Press Room
Teen-Curated Photography Exhibition Opens at National Building Museum
Investigating Where We Live Partners with National Park Service for 2013 program
“I learned that many neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. aren’t what they are believed to be, or what people say they are…they have so much more heart and story than meets the eye…I learned that I should never make assumptions about a place until I have been there and I have heard the residents tell me what it is really like.”
– Lorran, age 17, Investigating Where We Live participant
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Building Museum presents Investigating Where We Live: Recapturing Shaw's Legacy, an exhibition created by teens in an award-winning annual outreach program that challenges participants to examine the city around them by collaborating with professional photographers, journalists, architects, and historians.
Through an unprecedented partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and the Historical Society of Washington, this summer’s program brings new attention to historically and critically important structures in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C., such as the home of Carter G. Woodson, an African American businessman, scholar, and the originator of what is now called Black History Month. Teens explore the relationship between these cultural landmarks to both Shaw and the larger city to better understand the importance of preserving D.C.’s shared history. Through their photography, writings, recordings, and original artwork, the young investigators work together to brainstorm, design, plan, and install a one-of-a-kind exhibition that tells the unexpected stories they discover.
“Investigating Where We Live not only serves to educate young people about the impact of the built environment as a whole,” said Chase W. Rynd, executive director of the National Building Museum, “but it also encourages them to focus in on the unique landscape of Washington, D.C., an important aspect of their lives and of our mission.”
“We want to teach all of the teens who come through our programs the importance of looking closely at the world around them,” said Andrew Costanzo, outreach programs manager. “Only by recognizing the problems that their communities and cities face will they be able to start developing solutions in the future.”
The program culminates with an exhibition opening, hosted by the National Building Museum, on July 26, from 6:30–8:30 pm. The exhibition runs through June 2014. George McDonald, youth programs manager, National Park Service, offers remarks. Press passes available: register online or contact Emma Filar, efilar@nbm.org, 202.272.2448, ext. 3458.
Since 1916, the American people have entrusted the National Park Service with the care of their national parks. With the help of volunteers and park partners, the NPS is proud to safeguard these nearly 400 places and to share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn't stop there. NPS is proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., is a community-supported educational and research organization that collects, interprets, and shares the history of our nation's capital. Founded in 1894, it serves a diverse audience through its collections, public programs, exhibitions, and publications.
The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution dedicated to advancing the quality of the built environment by educating people about its impact on their lives. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, online content, and publications, the Museum has become a vital forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the world we build for ourselves. Public inquiries: 202.272.2448 or visit www.nbm.org. Connect with us on Twitter: @BuildingMuseum and Facebook.
