happy anniversary

“U.S. National Arboretum Celebrates 50 Years of Bonsai”

By Prince Of Petworth

photo by Miki Jourdan

From the U.S. National Arboretum:

“This year marks 50 years of bonsai at the U.S. National Arboretum’s (USNA) National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington, DC. The museum opened its doors as part of the 1976 Bicentennial festivities and is the nation’s oldest public collection of bonsai and related arts.

“As we mark the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum’s 50th anniversary, we celebrate a unique chapter in the U.S. National Arboretum’s history and a lasting symbol of international goodwill,” said USDA Under Secretary Dr. Scott Hutchins. “Throughout the past five decades, the museum continues to connect people through art, horticulture, and cultural exchange, and I celebrate this golden anniversary as we honor both the extraordinary trees in our care and the friendship that brought them here.”

The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum began with the “original gift” of 53 bonsai and 6 viewing stones, 200th birthday presents from the people of Japan to the people of the United States. The gift was shepherded by then-USNA director Dr. John Creech. Why 53 trees? Bonsai artists from across Japan had collaborated to donate 50 trees, in honor of the 50 American states. The Imperial family gave three more trees, including one from the emperor’s personal collection—the first time such a tree had ever been allowed to leave Japan.

“For half a century, the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum has brought together art, horticulture, research, and international collaboration,” said Joon Park, Administrator of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. “This extraordinary collection preserves decades of history, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange while serving as a living resource for education and research. As we celebrate its first 50 years, we also recognize the opportunities ahead to advance our understanding of plant health, helping to inspire new discoveries.”

Since the original gift, the museum has progressed into a comprehensive collection illustrating the artform’s adoption, evolution, and influence across geographies and throughout time. The museum’s current collection contains 200+ trees from 6 countries, including the work of North American artists as well as North American native species. It is one of the main attractions for visitors to the National Arboretum, with trees displayed in three open-air pavilions and an enclosed building to showcase viewing stones (over 270 stones collected in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America) and temporary exhibits.

In honor of the bonsai collection’s anniversary, the USNA presents: Branching Out: 50 Years of Bonsai at the National Arboretum, with the following celebratory events: (more…)

Yo, Recessions is Turning 30!! “Resilience & Karaoke: DC’s Recessions Bar Celebrates a Milestone” – Two Day Party Later this month!!

By Prince Of Petworth

1823 L Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I wanted to share a special milestone for one of Washington, DC’s longtime neighborhood establishments. Recessions Bar & Grill, a beloved downtown karaoke bar, is celebrating its 30th anniversary on November 19 and 20, 2026.

Since opening in 1996, Recessions has witnessed three decades of change in the nation’s capital. From the 2008 financial crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving landscape of downtown DC, the bar has weathered its share of challenges while remaining a familiar gathering place for locals, office workers, and visitors alike.

Over the years, (more…)

“DC’s Longest Running Caribbean Bar Celebrates 27th Anniversary”!! Happy anniversary Club Timehri!

By Prince Of Petworth

2439 18th Street, NW

Happy anniversary to Club Timehri!

Some background from an email:

“Club Timehri’s success lies in its commitment to authenticity which fosters a deep sense of community among their loyal customers. Invoking the mellow essence of the Caribbean with roots, reggae, dancehall, soca and konpa every Thursday through Sunday, Club Timehri is the last Caribbean bar in D.C.

In 1999, when most DC bars played little more than the occasional reggae song, Club Timehri was born out of a need to serve the area’s growing Caribbean community. Jonathan Wells was involved from day one, wearing many hats as the club found its footing, and in October 2006, he and Shawn Ramdat took over as owners. Together, they set out to bring authentic Caribbean music, vibes, and culture to the diverse melting pot of Adams Morgan. “Back then, if you wanted to hear Caribbean music, you had to leave the city or head to the edges of it: Crossroads in Bladensburg, Caribbean Style in downtown Silver Spring, or Turntable on the outskirts of DC,” says co-owner Jonathan Wells. “There was nowhere in the heart of DC that was authentically Caribbean.” Twenty-seven years later, Club Timehri remains a cultural institution. (more…)

YO!! Another Big 10 Year Anniversary to Announce – Service Bar on U Street – Celebrate with $10 Cocktails Today and Tomorrow!!

By Prince Of Petworth

928 U Street, NW

Yesterday we shared the news that Little Coco’s has turned 10 years old!! Turns out they’re not the only ones turning ten – arguable the VERY BEST cocktail bar in DC – Service Bar has turned 10 too! Celebrate with $10 cocktails from their past menus today and tomorrow (Wed. and Thurs.): (more…)

Signs of the Times: Recessions Got A New Sign. Goodness. Happy 30th Anniversary to one of the greats!!

By Prince Of Petworth

1823 L Street, NW

This has stopped me in my tracks the last few times I passed it and I keep forgetting to post it – RECESSIONS got a new a sign.

So remember, “Bar and Kitchen open late night. Karaoke and Billiards. Open from 3pm till late. Serving Washington DC since 1996.”

I am so happy that Recessions is still kicking!! Respect. (more…)

“Celebrating a legendary spot – Dupont Market”

By Prince Of Petworth

1807 18th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

Just went by Dupont Market over the weekend and saw they just “quietly” celebrated 32 years in business (see window sign) a few days ago! They definitely deserve a louder shoutout. They serve some of the best sandwiches in NW and always have fantastic baked goods and all the odds and ends you need from a neighborhood bodega, *and* as an added bonus they even bring in Saku Saku pastries over the weekends. Would love to see the fine folks there get a little more love!” (more…)

“Free Coffee at Peregrine Wednesday, September 9!” Happy 18th Anniversary to Peregrine Espresso!!

By Prince Of Petworth

660 Pennsylvania Ave, SE courtesy Peregrine

From our friends at Peregrine Espresso:

“We are celebrating our 18th Birthday/Customer Appreciation Day Wednesday, September 9. We will be serving complimentary hot and iced coffee all day and also offering $2 off all whole bean coffee selections at both our Eastern Market and Union Market locations. We first opened on August 29, 2008, (more…)

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