Oral history interview with Riddick Vann

Riddick Vann, a former Exhibit Designer for the National American History Museum, discusses how he came to serve on a committee to develop the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (now Anacostia Community Museum). He describes how the committee came to select the Carver Theater as the site, John Kinard as the director, and the many other topics they considered. He recalls how the museum affected and impacted the Anacostia neighborhood upon opening. In remembering people who influenced the museum's development, he highlights the tremendous work of Louise Hutchinson, the historian who researched and presented the exhibits, and John Kinard, the first director. He comments on the experimental nature of the museum, and how its success influenced museums around the country.  The interview was conducted on July 16, 1991. There is background noise throughout the record, but the interviewee can be heard clearly throughout.