Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Teacher raises money for students to visit D.C.

• Upcoming LUCKI Concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Elizabeth Keckley

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”

–Norton Juster

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Washington DC museum is dedicated to the presentation and preservation of Asian art, boasting a collection spanning thousands of years?

A) The Freer Gallery of Art

B) The National Museum of Asian Art

C) The Hirshhorn Museum

D) The Smithsonian American Art Museum

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Washington DC museum dedicated to the presentation and preservation of Asian art, boasting a collection spanning thousands of years, is A) The Freer Gallery of Art.

News

💼Business

D.C. attorney general alleges ‘widespread’ title insurance kickbacks (Link)

DC firefighters battle fire at business in Northeast (Link)

🏒Sports

Bullett to Be Inducted into DC Sports Hall of Fame (Link)

Former WTOP sportscaster Dave Johnson among 9 in latest DC Sports Hall of Fame class (Link)

🏦Finance

A teacher wrestled to raise money for his students to visit Washington, D.C. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports Events

⚽ Portland Thorns FC at Washington Spirit
Audi Field, Washington, DC
Saturday, September 7th | (More info)

🏀 Minnesota Lynx at Washington Mystics
Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington, DC
Saturday, September 8th | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 LUCKI
Echostage, Washington, DC
Wednesday, September 4th | (More info)

🎵 City of the Sun
 The Atlantis, Washington, DC
Wednesday, September 4th | (More info)

🎵 Substantial
The Howard Theatre, Washington, DC
Saturday, September 7th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Washington DC with a public space dedicated to virtual reality experiences” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Washington D.C. Historical Events

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Opens (1974) - Expands D.C.'s cultural offerings.

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, inaugurated in 1974, marked a significant expansion in Washington D.C.'s cultural landscape, enriching it with a new dimension of contemporary and modern art. This remarkable institution was a gift to the nation from the Latvian-born American entrepreneur and art collector Joseph H. Hirshhorn, whose generosity and vision brought about a pivotal moment for art appreciation in the capital city. Encompassing a comprehensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media, the Hirshhorn Museum has since its opening served as a beacon for art enthusiasts, historians, and tourists alike, drawn to its unique cylindrical structure and the vast array of art it houses.

The Museum's architecture, a work of the renowned architect Gordon Bunshaft, is itself a piece of modern art, featuring a distinctive doughnut-shaped building that creates an engaging space for the display of artworks. Surrounding this, the Sculpture Garden offers a serene and contemplative environment where visitors can engage with 3D works in an outdoor setting, adding another layer to the museum's immersive experience. This architectural marvel not only provides a home for the Hirshhorn's vast collections but also acts as a symbol of the growth and evolution of the city's artistic environment.

Since its opening, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden has played a fundamental role in extending Washington D.C.'s cultural offerings beyond the historical and political, establishing the city as a key player in the international art scene. Through an array of exhibitions, educational programs, and public events, the museum has continuously contributed to the vibrant cultural life of the capital, inviting dialogue, exploration, and appreciation of modern and contemporary art. As a vital component of the Smithsonian Institution, it underscores the importance of art in public life, fostering a deeper, more diverse cultural engagement for residents and visitors alike.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Elizabeth Keckley (1818–1907)

Elizabeth Keckley was an African American woman who rose from the shadows of slavery to become a renowned seamstress, civil activist, and author, leaving an indelible mark on the course of American history. Her journey from slavery to the inner circles of the Washington D.C. elite is a testament to her resilience, talent, and pioneering spirit.

Early Years in Slavery (1818-1847)

Born into slavery in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, Elizabeth Keckley's early life was marked by hardship and struggle. Despite these challenges, she developed a strong character and an exceptional talent for sewing, a skill that would later pave the way for her freedom and success.

A Stitch Towards Freedom (1848-1855)

With her remarkable seamstress skills, Keckley bought freedom for herself and her son in 1855. Her journey toward freedom was fraught with challenges, but her determination and the support of her clientele, who admired her work, ultimately enabled her to raise the necessary funds.

Establishing a Name in Washington D.C. (1855-1861)

Keckley moved to Washington D.C., where she quickly established herself as a highly sought-after seamstress among the city's elite. Her reputation for impeccable craftsmanship and design soon caught the attention of high-profile figures, including Varina Davis, wife of Jefferson Davis, and ultimately Mary Todd Lincoln, the First Lady of the United States.

The Lincoln White House (1861-1865)

Keckley's relationship with Mary Todd Lincoln was more than that of a seamstress to her client. She became a close confidante and personal advisor to the First Lady during Abraham Lincoln's presidency. Her role in the White House offered her a unique perspective on the events of the Civil War and the Lincoln administration.

Author and Activist (1865-1890)

After the assassination of President Lincoln, Keckley published Behind the Scenes, or, Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House in 1868. The memoir provided a groundbreaking insider's view of life in the White House and touched upon her own life story, stirring controversy and impacting her career.

Her Work for the Freedpeople (1862-1892)

Beyond her sewing and writing, Keckley was deeply committed to civil activism. She played a pivotal role in founding and leading the Contraband Relief Association, which provided assistance to freed slaves and wounded soldiers. Her efforts underscored her dedication to improving the lives of African Americans.

Later Years and Legacy (1892-1907)

In her later years, Elizabeth Keckley continued to work as a seamstress but lived a relatively quiet life. She passed away in 1907, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, creativity, and advocacy for freedom and equality that continues to inspire.

Connection to Washington DC

Washington D.C. was not just the backdrop for Keckley's professional success; it was where she made her most significant impact. Her work with the city's elite, her activism, and her intimate involvement in historical events during the Civil War era made her an integral part of Washington's social and political history.

Key Achievements of Elizabeth Keckley:

• Rose from slavery to become a successful seamstress and an esteemed figure in Washington D.C.'s elite circles.

• Authored an influential memoir, providing rare insights into Mary Todd Lincoln’s life and the Lincoln White House, alongside her own narrative of resilience.

• Founded the Contraband Relief Association to aid freed slaves and wounded soldiers, showcasing her dedication to humanitarian and civil rights causes.

• Established herself as a trailblazer for African American women, breaking barriers in an era defined by racial discrimination and segregation.

Elizabeth Keckley’s life embodies the defining American values of hard work, resilience, and the unfailing belief in the possibility of change. Through her talents, she navigated the transition from enslavement to freedom, making a lasting mark on the fabric of American history both as a dedicated activist and a witness to significant historical events. Her legacy endures as a source of inspiration and a testament to the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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