Oral history Interview with Joy Ford Austin

Joy Ford Austin, a former Executive Director of the African American Museums Association, discusses her earliest experiences with, and her recollection of the evolution of the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (now Anacostia Community Museum). She highlights the important role that John Kinard played in leading the Museum, and in being an original voice advocating for social responsibility in museums. She discusses the first exhibitions she recalls viewing at the museum, the Blacks in the Westward Movement and The Frederick Douglass years: a cultural history exhibits. She also reflects on the purpose and influence of the museum over time. The interview was conducted by Joanna Banks on May 15, 1992. There is some static throughout the recording, but the interviewee can generally be heard clearly. Exhibitions mentioned: Blacks in the Westward Movement, The Frederick Douglass years: a cultural history, The Rat: Man's Invited Affliction.