Oral history interview with G. Christopher Reynolds

Christopher Reynolds recalls the grand opening of Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (now Anacostia Community Museum) in 1967, when he was a student in junior high school. He remembers the speeches John Kinard and S. Dillon Ripley gave that day, with the themes "this museum is your museum" and "if people don't go to the museum, we'll take the museum to the people." He recalls how he became involved in the museum as a volunteer, and how he helped to organize the Youth Advisory Council with John Kinard. He remembers working with neighborhood children in creative productions, like plays, and the zoo and general store at the museum. He talks about his close relationship with Zora Martin-Felton, and the influence she and John had on him during his teenage years. He recalls how the Carver Theater site was a galvanizing location for the community, that was easily accessible. He remembers how there was a vibrancy on the block when a new exhibit was opening, and how the museum provided educational opportunities for everyone in a non-threatening way. He expresses his sense that the museum changed when it relocated, that it became less accessible, and less of a focal point of activity for the neighborhood. The interview was recorded on July 13, 1991 by Helene Fisher. The audio is clear throughout the recording with some minor background noise. Exhibitions mentioned: This Thing Called Jazz, The Rat: Man's Invited Affliction.