Records

The Education and Development Department was established in 1967 as one of the two original branches of the Museum. Its early responsibilities focused on interpreting the Museum's exhibitions to the public. However, as the Museum established itself, the Department reached beyond this early mandate and became an active member of the Anacostia community. Its accomplishments included the development of educational outreach services which used ethnic-based materials; the creation in July 1969 of a Mobile Division to facilitate the Museum's involvement in the community; the formation of a Youth Advisory Council and other cultural arts groups; and the establishment of a Children's Room in February 1972. Renamed the Education Department by 1973, it also played a leading role in developing programs at the Museum which focused on urban problems and the concerns of incarcerated community members. Zora B. Martin-Felton joined the Museum at its founding as Program Director, and by 1971 was named Supervisory Program Manager of the Education and Development Department. In 1979 she became an Education Specialist, and in 1989 was referred to as Chief of the Education Department. Fletcher A. Smith came to the Museum in July 1969 as the Coordinator of the new Mobile Division. He later took the title of Program Manager of the Division, which was renamed the Outreach Services Branch. The Branch was terminated after Smith's resignation in September 1978.