"We Make History" Exhibit

The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum reopens on May 30, 2026, with the unveiling of "We Make History," a new exhibition timed to the United States semiquincentennial. The exhibition explores how Washington-area communities preserve stories, document change, and shape the nation's history through community histories, personal narratives, sports memorabilia, and artifacts from historic Washingtonians. The museum's community-based stories serve as building blocks for 250 years of American history, using the country's anniversary as a milestone to celebrate local civic engagement and encourage local history keeping. The exhibition opens on the 185th anniversary of the first entry in the diary of Adam Francis Plummer and will remain on view through January 2028. As the museum prepares to mark its 60th anniversary in 2027, the exhibition also highlights how communities in the Washington, D.C., region record their experiences and contribute to the nation's story. The reopening includes a full weekend of events, including back-to-back "After Dark" events featuring live performances, small bites, and a first look at the exhibition.

Name: "We Make History" Exhibit
Venue: Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
When: Opens May 30, 2026; on view through January 2028
Price: Free
Opening weekend events: A full weekend of celebration includes "After Dark" events with live performances and small bites; must be 21+ years old to attend these events.
Notable contents: Community histories, personal narratives, sports memorabilia, artifacts from historic Washingtonians; explores how communities preserve stories and shape national history.
Context: Marks the 185th anniversary of Adam Francis Plummer's first diary entry and coincides with the museum's 60th anniversary in 2027.
Accessibility: The museum is a Smithsonian facility; further accessibility details are not provided in the raw text.