Oral history interview with Dianne Dale

Dianne Dale describes how she became involved with the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (now Anacostia Community Museum) by following in the footsteps of her father, the president of the Anacostia Historical Society. She recalls that the museum was the first of its kind and helped to maintain the community's sense of continuity by preserving the neighborhood's history and telling its stories. She discusses how the Carver Theater was selected as the original site because of its central location and its significance to the community residents. She describes how community members became involved as staff, volunteers, and members of the advisory board, how the social and political environment affected the museum, and how it has evolved over time. The interview was recorded by Dan Sparks on December 5, 1991. There is minor background noise throughout the recording, but the interview can be heard clearly. Exhibition mentioned: The Rat: Man's Invited Affliction.