Anacostia Collection

WASHINGTON D. C. 1942. A group of young dancers at the Frederick Douglass housing
WASHINGTON D.C. 1942. A group of young dancers at the Frederick Douglass housing project in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington D.C. Photograph by Gordon Parks, July 1942

Mother and her daughter, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Mother and her daughter

Three trucks: S.M. Frazier, between 1909 and 1914. Creator: Harris & Ewing. Three trucks: S.M
Three trucks: S.M. Frazier, between 1909 and 1914. USA. Your Credit is Good at Grogan's'. S.M. Frazier, Building Materials, Anacostia, [Washington] D.C

Boys playing leap frog near the project, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Boys playing leap frog near the project

Cooling off under the community sprayer, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C, 1942
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Cooling off under the community sprayer

Three youngsters, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Three youngsters

Sign on Alabama Avenue, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C (vicinity), 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C (vicinity). Frederick Douglass housing project. Sign on Alabama Avenue

Playing in the community sprayer, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Playing in the community sprayer

Children, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Children

Boys overlooking the project, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Boys overlooking the project

Baby taking a sun bath, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Baby taking a sun bath

Boy at the playground, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Boy at the playground

Metal ashcans, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Metal ashcans

A dance group, Frederick Douglass housing project, Anacostia, D. C. 1942. Creator: Gordon Parks
Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. A dance group

North American T-28B 137667
United States Navy - North American T-28B 137667 from Anacostia Naval Air Station, parked at the Calverton Grumman factory. Date: circa 1960

United States Navy - Vought SBU-1 Corsair 9826 at Anacostia Naval Air Station. Number 9826 was struck off charge 10 August 1943. Date: 1930s

Distant View of Arsenal, Washington, D. C. 1861-65. Creator: Unknown
Distant View of Arsenal, Washington, D.C. 1861-65. Formerly attributed to Mathew B. Brady

United States Navy Grumman XFF-1 A8878
United States Navy Grumman G-5 XFF-1 A8878, prototype of the Grumman FF-1 two-seat fighter first flown on 29 December 1931, redesignated FF-1 in 1936

United States Navy Grumman XSF-1 A8940
United States Navy Grumman G-6 XSF-1 A8940, prototype of the Grumman SF-1 two-seat scout fighter, from Anacostia Naval Air Station first flown on 20 August 1932. Date: circa 1932

Washington DC in the 1840s
City of Washington from Maryland, showing the Anacostia River joining the Potomac, 1840s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

An integrated classroom at Anacostia High School, Washington, D. C. Photograph by Warren Leffler, 1957
INTEGRATED CLASSROOM, 1957. An integrated classroom at Anacostia High School, Washington, D.C. Photograph by Warren Leffler, 1957

HIGH SCHOOL CLASS, 1939. Students at work in a carpentry shop class at Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C. 1939

HIGH SCHOOL CLASS, 1939. Students in an art class at Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C. 1939

CHOIR, c1915. The choir at Emanuel Methodist Episcopal Church in Anacostia, Washington, D.C. Photograph, c1915

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"Capturing the Spirit of Anacostia: A Glimpse into 1942 Washington D. C. " Step back in time to 1942, where the Frederick Douglass housing project in Anacostia, Washington D. C. , was a vibrant hub of community life. Through the lens of renowned photographer Gordon Parks, we witness moments that encapsulate the essence of this historic neighborhood. In one frame, a group of young dancers gracefully move their bodies, showcasing their talent and passion against the backdrop of Frederick Douglass housing. Their energy and determination reflect the resilience and creativity that thrived within these walls. A mother and her daughter stand proudly outside their home in another photo. The Frederick Douglass housing project provided shelter for families like theirs during challenging times. It served as a symbol of hope and progress amidst adversity. Boys play leapfrog near the project's grounds, embodying youthful joy and camaraderie. These simple childhood games brought laughter to every corner of Anacostia, fostering friendships that would last a lifetime. On scorching summer days, children sought relief under the refreshing spray from a community sprinkler system. This communal oasis became an escape from sweltering temperatures while reinforcing bonds among neighbors who shared both joys and challenges. Three youngsters share smiles as they navigate through life together within this close-knit community. Their friendship mirrors the unity found throughout Anacostia—a place where residents supported each other through thick and thin. A sign on Alabama Avenue welcomes visitors to this vibrant neighborhood—Frederick Douglass housing project—an emblematic landmark representing strength in unity during an era marked by social change. Children frolic beneath cascading water droplets from another sprayer installation—their laughter echoing through alleyways filled with dreams yet to be realized. In these carefree moments lie glimpses into future leaders who would shape not just Anacostia but also our nation's history.