History is all around us I discovered last week. I was walking by the Walter Pierce Park just across the Duke Ellington Bridge in Adams Morgan, as I’ve done hundreds of times on my way to the dog park located there. This time, however, four recently constructed historical markers caught my attention. They told the story of the two long forgotten cemeteries – the Mt. Pleasant Plains Cemetery and the Friends Burying Ground. A little internet sleuthing once back home and I discovered that many African-Americans are buried on those sacred grounds. The new signs tell the history of the many enslaved people who lived in our immediate area.
Join the Walking Tour of Local African-American Cemeteries
Thursday February 17th at 1:00 PM
Please register online.
Thanks to the research of a dedicated neighbor, Village members have the opportunity to learn all about this history on a guided walking tour. Mary Belcher researched and plotted the tour which will begin on Thursday February 17th at 1:00 PM. I am especially excited to have this tour during Black History Month. I'm hoping for a large turnout so please register online.
Learn more about Mt Pleasant Plains Cemetery and Friends Burying Ground
Making More Connections
This week I had another serendipitous moment reminding me how the Village makes connections that would otherwise not happen. I was speaking to a member (always a favorite thing for me to do by the way, so please don’t hesitate to call) when I asked where she was from. She said, “I’m from a little town in Ohio.” Come to find out she is from a town where my great-grandparents had lived! My mother was doing a puzzle nearby, seemingly aloof to the what I was discussing, but when she heard the name “Archbold, Ohio” she perked up and asked who else was from Archbold. The two of them, both members of the Village, will speak on the phone or get together as soon as it’s safe. It was another reminder for me about the power of connections within our community.
Remember to Register for Tuesday Talks
Don't forget to register for our upcoming Tuesday Talk on DC’s Nature and Ecology: The Impact of Climate Change and Urban Development. I've personally met our presenters, Tamara Belt and Erin Gleeson, and previewed their talk. It’s fascinating information that brings the global climate crisis to a neighborhood level. Please tune in to this wonderful speaker series highlighting some of our area’s most fascinating people!
P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day on Monday! I hope everyone feels the love we have for you.
Frank Finamore is Executive Director of the Village