John A. Wilson Building Turns 100 and Festivities

John A. Wilson Building, originally uploaded by kimberlyfaye.

Sounds cool, wish it wasn’t right in the middle of the work day… From the Petworth Listserv:

“People. Politics. Progress.
Wednesday, October 15: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Come enjoy, learn and mingle.

• D.C. Council Open House and Cake Cutting

• Guided Building and Art Collection Tours

• Exhibit Openings: History of D.C. Self Governance and History of the Wilson Building

(5 p.m. Kojo Nnamdi and Mark Plotkin share intriguing Wilson Building stories.)

The District of Columbia will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the John A. Wilson Building, Wednesday, October 15, 2008, with a program beginning at 9:45 a.m. in the building’s main hall. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the District of Columbia Council and Destination DC will unveil an exhibit to commemorate the event. “People, Politics and Progress”. The exhibit gives a 100 year retrospect through the use of photographs, manuscripts, works of art and oral histories in hopes of instilling a sense of pride and belonging in every DC resident.

The exhibit will be showcased on two floors:

First Floor: In Memoriam-DC Leaders; Fifth Floor: Home Rule Exhibit. The event is a celebration highlighting the building’s magnificent architecture and the powerful decisions that have taken place within its walls.

In observance of this historical occasion there are a number of events scheduled for this day long celebration (SEE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS BELOW) including an open house for all District of Columbia Council Offices. Please stop by Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser’s office in Suite 406 from 12:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. for a reception. Full schedule after the jump.

9:45-10am: Drumline
The day starts off with the IDEA Public Charter School drumline, one of DC’s finest. Directed by William Cooper, Band Director and Carl Dyson, Assistant Band Director with special thanks to Principal Charolette Blount-Lewis
10:00 –10:10am Color Guard
IDEA Public Charter School Color Guard directed by Major T. Lewis

10:10–10:30 am Welcome Remarks & Ribbon Cutting
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty & Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray

10:30 – Noon People. Politics. Progress. Exhibition Officially Open
Exhibition created by Historical Society of Washington, DC Atrium: John A. Wilson Building Architecture Exhibit
1St Floor: In Memoriam – DC Leaders
5th Floor: Home Rule Exhibit / People. Politics. Progress video

10:30 – 11:00am Tours
John A. Wilson Building Architecture Tour
Led by Shalom Baranes Associates
John A. Wilson Building Art Collection Tour
Meet outside Suite 504
Tour will be led by Beth Baldwin, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities

11:00 – 11:30am Tours
Both tours offered above will be offered again, same meeting location as above.

5:00 – 6:00pm Kojo Nnamdi and Mark Plotkin
Hearing Room 123
Kojo and Mark will share intriguing John A. Wilson Building stories.

John Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Federal Triangle Metro Stop

(Photo I.D. required to enter building)”