Anacostia Community Museum

Join us to celebrate 58 years of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Embracing our legacy of preserving the community stories of Washington DC, this year we are celebrating, Under the Stars in the Plaza of the museum. Guests can enjoy melodies sung by Joi Carter and band. Experience ACM’s current exhibition: A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education In Washington, D.C. 1900 -2000. Small bites by Flavor Hive Food Truck!
Registration Highly Recommended. This will be a sold-out event!
This event is 21+ and will be an indoor/outdoor event.

Celebrate the power of storytelling through artistic expression. In A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C., 1900–2000, discover how DC’s most influential artists and educators wove their family, community, and personal experiences into their work. Then, create your own meaningful piece incorporating portraits or photos from your life, connecting your story to the legacy of Black arts education.
Recommended Audience: Lifelong Learners
Time and Schedule: 10:15 a.m. on July 24, August 21, and September 18, 2025
Duration: About 75 minutes

For all guided experiences, advanced registration for groups of 10 or more is required at least one week prior to your visit. When registering for groups of 10 more, groups may request free bus transportation. Bus transportation is available on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out the guided student tour form available here at least one week prior to your group's arrival.
Questions? Email the ACM Education team at ACMTours@si.edu.

Unleash your creativity and explore the impact of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC! In A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C., 1900–2000, see how local artists and educators reflected their identity, community, and experiences in their work. Then, express yourself by creating a unique artwork using portraits or photos from your own life, connecting your story to the legacy of Black artistic expression.

Recommended Audience: Teens 13+
Time and Schedule: 1:00 p.m. on July 24, August 21, and September 18, 2025
Duration: About 75 minutes

For all guided experiences, advanced registration for groups of 10 or more is required at least one week prior to your visit. When registering for groups of 10 more, groups may request free bus transportation. Bus transportation is available on a first come, first served basis. Please fill out the guided student tour form available here at least one week prior to your group's arrival.
Questions? Email the ACM Education team at ACMTours@si.edu.

The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand returns for another farm stand season in 2025. It is the only direct-to-consumer farm stand of its kind East of the River in Ward 8.

The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand takes place on the outdoor plaza of the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum (1901 Fort Place, SE Washington, DC 20020) every Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) from April 19 - November 22, 2025.*

The FRESHFARM ACM Farm Stand is generously supported by The Hillside Foundation - Allan and Shelley Holt.

*Weather permitting. Be sure to follow the Anacostia Community Museum for updated information.

Infuse Your Life: Everyday Herbalism with Dr. Madea Allen

Join us for a vibrant, hands-on herbal infusion workshop led by Dr. Madea Allen, who specializes in helping women reclaim energy naturally through everyday rituals of nourishment and healing.

In this 1-hour “Growing Community” garden class, you’ll discover how to bring the ancient wisdom of herbalism into your everyday life through simple infusions that nourish body, mind, and spirit.

We’ll explore the benefits of fresh culinary and medicinal herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, sage, and mint—harvested straight from the Anacostia Community Museum’s own demonstration garden.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify and select herbs for their energetic and healing properties

• Make a no-heat infused olive oil and vinegar at home

• Incorporate herbal infusions into meals, self-care rituals, and more

Each participant will make and take home their own herb-infused olive oil and vinegar blend to continue infusing and enjoy when it’s ready.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or brand new to herbalism, this class will inspire you to see herbs not just as ingredients, but as allies in your healing journey.

Space is limited, reserve your spot and come get your hands in the garden with us!

Dr. Madea Allen is a holistic chef, licensed acupuncturist, and Doctor of Oriental Medicine who specializes in food as medicine. She’s the founder of Organic Soul Chef and helps women over 40 reclaim energy naturally through practices like herbalism, seasonal cooking, and traditional healing arts. Born and raised in Southeast DC, Dr. Madea is a proud “Garden Warrior,” regularly attending the museum’s gardening classes. Rooted in over 20 years of hands-on healing—from nourishing kitchens and community gardens to energy work and integrative medicine—she teaches people how to infuse their meals and their lives with intention, vitality, and Soul.

Sessions are suitable for all levels, welcoming beginners, and experienced yogis alike. Ideal for those who enjoy the fusion of music and movement. Participants should wear clothing that allows for the ease of movement and expression. Bring a yoga mat and optionally, water or a towel to stay hydrated and comfortable throughout the class. Session facilitated by Khepera Wellness.