By Julia Barr, B.A, ‘27, Communication and Marketing
Jordyn Neugarten, B.A. ‘26, Communication and Marketing
Raina Shah, B.A. ‘25, Psychological and Brain Sciences
From historical maps to inaugural invites, the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection is a comprehensive look into D.C. history. At the George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum, Treasures from the Albert H. Small Collection currently displays 14 unique artworks and objects, ranging from prints of momentous buildings to depictions of the House and Senate chambers in 1866.
Albert H. Small, a third-generation Washingtonian born in 1925, was a prominent real estate developer and devoted collector of historical prints, maps and ephemera. He co-founded Southern Engineering Corporation and was a dedicated philanthropist, recognized with the National Humanities Medal in 2009. Throughout his life, he donated historical collections and financial gifts to museums and cultural institutions in the District. Mr. Small’s legacy of supporting the humanities continues today through the Albert and Shirley Small Family Foundation.
The Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection includes nearly 2,000 artworks. Treasures previews the broader collection, hinting at the many historical materials waiting to be explored. While there is no explicit connection between the pieces, the display is a diverse assembly representing the history and development of Washington, D.C.
Bird’s-eye views on display encourage visitors to examine historical illustrations of D.C. and see how the city has changed over time. Artists’ visions for D.C.’s future often influenced their illustrations of the early capital, as seen in Peder Anderson’s 1838 View of the City of Washington. Museumgoers can also learn fun facts about D.C. history. (Interestingly, the Potomac River was often spelled with a ‘k’ in early maps of the Chesapeake region.)
The display’s centerpiece, a glass case with presidential inauguration artifacts and prints of public spaces, offers a glimpse into a different political era. Materials from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s third presidential inauguration and a ticket to Harry S. Truman’s 1949 inaugural parade allow guests to visualize and connect with these historic events. (Roosevelt is the only U.S. president to be inaugurated more than twice, and Truman’s parade, which featured a Capitol flyover of bombers, projected national strength at the Cold War’s onset.) Overall, the collection is a great way for visitors to learn how the city and its culture has, or has not, changed since D.C. was established in 1790.
The museum’s showcase of the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection offers a fascinating look into D.C.’s rich history. The display spotlights the objects themselves, the stories they tell and the man who collected them. The dynamic, rotating gallery fulfills Mr. Small’s desire to preserve history and inspire new generations to discover D.C.’s story.
The display will rotate in September 2025, so be sure to visit before it changes!
This post was written by students in Professor Jessica McCaughey’s COMM 3190 class at George Washington University.
About the Authors
Julia is an undergraduate at GW studying communication and marketing. Upon graduation, she plans on moving back to New York City to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.
Raina is an undergraduate at GW studying psychological and brain sciences. Upon graduation, she plans to work in research and apply for a Ph.D. program in clinical child psychology.
Jordyn is an undergraduate at GW studying communication and marketing. Upon graduation, she plans on moving back to New York City and pursuing a career in fashion marketing.
Header image: A portrait of Mr. Small, collector and philanthropist, hangs at the entrance of Treasures from the Albert H. Small Collection. Photo by Hanna Leka/the George Washington University.