History

On March 23, 1956 Elvis Rocked the District of Columbia

By Prince Of Petworth

“Elvis Pressley

On March 23, 1956, Elvis gave his first and only performance in the District of Columbia at Pier 4 on the S.S. Mount Vernon, a cruise steamer operated by the Wilson Line.”

Very cool. Thanks to Aaron for sending from “the Wharf near politics and prose.”

HOWEVER,

it’s not exactly 100% accurate as Elvis also performed on TV in Van Ness on that same day: “On March 23, 1956, Dean had as a guest on his show a nervous young singer named Elvis Presley, then just coming into his own. Presley was one of many entertainment personalities who made stops at the Connecticut Avenue broadcasting complex.”

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is Monday January 27 “meet Holocaust survivors, read the names of Holocaust victims, and light memorial candles”

By Prince Of Petworth


“Holocaust survivor Susan Warsinger speaking to visitors at the Museum during IHRD 2024”

From an email:

“On Monday, January 27, we are hosting a special day of activities for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is held on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. This year marks 80 years since Nazi Germany’s most notorious camp was liberated. We are inviting you and others to meet Holocaust survivors, read the names of Holocaust victims, and light memorial candles.”

From the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum:

“The United Nations has designated January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as a time to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution. This year’s commemoration comes at a critical time, as the survivors, our best teachers, decline in number and we witness a global surge in antisemitism.

The Museum invites the public to remember the victims, honor the survivors and reaffirm the lessons of the Holocaust. Events that day will include: (more…)

Speaking of the National Building Museum “Visible Vault: Open Collections Storage showcases a broad range of artifacts from the Museum’s permanent collection, highlighting America’s architectural and design heritage.” Opens Dec. 14th

By Prince Of Petworth


“Caption: Visible Vault: Open Collections Storage at the National Building Museum. Photographed by Stephen A. Miller, StudioM13.”

From a press release:

“Visible Vault: Open Collections Storage

Opening December 14, 2024

The exhibition provides visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with significant historical objects that were previously unavailable to the public due to their size, scope, and material. This exhibition is a testament to the Museum’s commitment to preserving and sharing the fascinating narratives of the world we design and build. (more…)

Archeological Finds Vol. 99 – Holiday Messenger Service Letter from Corporal Robert Bouvie (1942)

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I found these more than 20 years ago when I was first restoring my house and held onto them. I encountered them again this weekend, cleaning the basement. As I recall, they had fallen behind a baseboard or someplace like that.

The letter is from Corporal Robert Bouvie (?), who was stationed overseas and sent it in December 1942, just one year after the US entry into the war. The recipient was Mr. Ernest Grosse (?), likely a former owner of my house on Harvard St NW. (more…)

Official Word and more details from NPS: “Meridian Hill Park has a new armillary sphere”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo Credit: NPS / Nick Bartolomeo

From NPS:

“The National Park Service (NPS) has installed a new armillary sphere on the lower plaza of Meridian Hill Park.

The new sphere is a replica based on the original armillary sphere approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) in 1929 and present in the park from 1932 until the late 1970s. The original sphere was 6 feet 6 inches high, 5 feet 8 inches in diameter, 17.79 feet in circumference and weighed 1,250 pounds. It was the focal point of the southern end of Meridian Hill Park. NPS removed it because of damage and vandalism. The pedestal remained in the park and will serve as the base for the new sphere.

NPS oversaw the re-creation of the new armillary sphere, which was designed using historic photographs and drawings. (more…)

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