By Helena Helou, B.S. ‘24, Environmental and Sustainability Sciences
Michael Falek, B.A. ‘26, International Affairs
Washingtonians at Work and Play, an exhibition curated by Amber “Jackie” Streker and her student assistant, Andrew Clark, opened to the public in January 2024. Using an array of historical newspaper illustrations, handwritten letters, books, ephemera and more, the show examines how living in the nation’s capital affected Washingtonians’ labor and leisure in the 19th century. It stretches across two galleries; the first explores labor in D.C. while the second is dedicated to leisure. The objects on display capture unique and unseen parts of daily life in Washington, together painting a fuller picture of how employment and recreational activities played essential roles in locals’ lives during a transformational century.
In the 19th century, Washingtonians worked across numerous government agencies, studied at universities and supported construction and maintenance projects. Most locals worked white-collar jobs despite industrialization in the United States. However, all occupations and tasks performed by hard-working Washingtonians were essential to the creation of present-day D.C. In the labor gallery, an image from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper presents an 1889 view of prisoners cleaning D.C.’s streets in preparation for the inauguration of President Benjamin Harrison. The print provides one example of how the District sourced its labor for politically and geographically unique celebrations.
In the adjoining gallery, objects such as dance cards, event tickets and paintings emphasize the recreational activities Washingtonians enjoyed. The District’s ample open spaces and parks, including the National Mall and Farragut Square, have long encouraged citizens to partake in outdoor activities. In F. Myrick’s illustration Farragut Square Showing the Russian Legation Building, Washingtonians can be seen getting fresh air and walking their dogs. Newfound leisure time allowed public spaces to flourish in 19th-century D.C.
Visit the exhibition Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through July 20, 2024.
About the Authors
Helena Helou is an undergraduate at GW studying environmental and sustainability sciences with a minor in business.
Michael Falek is an undergraduate at GW studying international affairs with a concentration in international economics.
Header Image: F. Myrick, Farragut Square Showing the Russian Legation Building, 1890, Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection AS 441.