Oral history interview with Toni Jackson

Toni Jackson describes her experience working for the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (now Anacostia Community Museum). She describes the concept of the museum as "bringing the museum to the people", and recalls how it made a concerted effort to provide training and education to the African American community, and made African American representation and history a primary part of exhibitions. She describes the sense of optimism sparked by the presence of the museum because it stimulated the community and attracted visitors to the neighborhood. She recalls how the community engaged with the museum, and how the residents' participation and support were vital to its success. She also describes the museum's relationship with the Smithsonian Institution as complex. She felt they interacted poorly, and that it was difficult to secure funding, and for the director to manage programs freely. She describes some personality conflicts and racism. She also praises John Kinard as a kind, compassionate, and fair individual, who stood up for himself and for his people when necessary. The interview was conducted on December 5, 1991 by Dan Sparks. The audio quality is clear throughout the recording with some minor background noise. Exhibition mentioned: Blacks in the Westward Movement.