The nation's first federally funded community-oriented museum is in Southeast Washington, in the District's historic Anacostia neighborhood, just 10 minutes by car from the National Mall. The museum has expanded its mission beyond a solely ethnic focus to include the impact of social and cultural issues on contemporary urban communities. Dynamic exhibitions and programs offer exploration into areas that affect the lives of everyday people—work, family, housing, identity and leisure. Programs celebrate both the practical and innovative approaches that communities employ to navigate the ups and downs of life.

Exhibitions

Call & Response: Community and Creativity This multipart exhibition explores artists and their visions as they draw upon cultural expression in schools, churches, community organizations and other public venues.

Exercise Your Mynd (Aug. 22, 2011-Nov. 27, 2011). View the sculptures and paintings of Anacostia-based artist BK Adams.

Altared & Phi(ve) (Dec. 12, 2011-March 18, 2012). See the work of local artist Melani N. Douglass.

Artuaré (Dec. 12, 2011- March 18, 2012). See the photography and art installations of Steven M. Cummings.

Neighborhood Palette and Citified (April 2, 2012-Aug. 5, 2012). Two installations—the first features the history of east-of-the-river public art by the Albus Cavus public design collective and the second, organized by the museum—look at creativity in everyday life.

Separate and Unequaled: Black Baseball in the District of Columbia (Permanent). This exhibition looks at the community draw of baseball played by such talented athletes as Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard, stars of the Homestead Grays.