Investigating Where We Live 2010

July 30, 2010 - May 15, 2011

Investigating Where We Live (IWWL) is a four-week summer program in which middle and high school students from the District of Columbia and the Washington metropolitan area use digital cameras to explore, document, and interpret the built environment in Washington, D.C. neighborhoods. During IWWL, teens from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia learn the basics of digital photography and exhibition design. Divided into three teams, the participants explore three different neighborhoods in Washington, DC. Documenting important landmarks, major thoroughfares, businesses, residential areas, parks, and people through photographs, students work to gather information about the neighborhood’s history and identity.

Jamee Telford

In order to better understand how to photograph and interpret the city’s urban landscape, the participants work alongside Museum staff and local photographers. Over the course of the program, teens improve their ability to interpret neighborhoods through photography and writing as means of visual communication where no spoken word is needed. The culmination of this experience is a professionally mounted exhibition in a Museum gallery designed, planned, and installed by teens to communicate the highs and lows of neighborhood life, the importance of community identity, and the value of collaboration amongst students from across the metro area.

Lauren Wilson

Since IWWL began in 1996, over 400 teens have explored, documented, and interpreted neighborhoods across D.C. Learn how to participate in IWWL

Take this opportunity to catch up on the thoughts and photographs of our teens by visiting our IWWL Blog. Feel free to comment on the photos, share a personal story about one of the neighborhoods, or write a response to our students’ work. Visit our Flickr page to see more images from our students. Become a fan of our Facebook page to learn more about all of our activities for teenagers.

Check out IWWL on NBC Washington