Application Information

Click here to apply. OR Send your CV and Resume via email to: 5D@anc.dc.gov; 5D01@anc.5d.gov; 5D05@anc.5d.gov with subject line “Historian for ANC 5D.”

Interviews will take place virtually on October 22, 2024. The final decision will be made on November 12, 2024 at the ANC 5D November Public Meeting.

Introduction

ANC 5D is composed of the neighborhoods of Carver-Langston, Gallaudet, Ivy City, Trinidad and Union Market, representing all of the southern portion of Ward Five.

The Historian will research and develop a series of presentations and reports detailing the history of the land encompassing ANC 5D. This repository will synthesize materials such as community interviews, letters, photographs, reports, land documents, and other items into a narrative reflecting the history of 5D, particularly focusing on how each neighborhood has changed over time.

The presentations, reports, and repository of gathered materials will be made publicly accessible for current and future residents of Washington, DC. The residents of 5D deserve to know the history of the land they call home, and this project will help residents, both new and old, connect with one another by becoming better educated on the social and physical context of our neighborhoods. Land acknowledgement is important for the Public to understand the long standing history that has brought us to reside on this land and opportunity to better understand our current place in this rich history.

Background

The southern portion of the Great Ward Five covers parts of the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Langston Golf Course, The Crummel School,  Delta Towers and also Gallaudet University. These landmarks and establishments hold rich history to the City and the public is entitled to better know this information. This repository of historical information will assist in conscious community development, cultural preservation and  education on prior land use that can shed light on environmental concerns. 

There have been past efforts to complete such a task in 5D, particularly within the neighborhood of Carver-Langston and Ivy City. It is towards the benefit of the Public to continue working on prior research and continue the historical work. Gallaudet University has the privilege of having its own resources to complete this type of project within 5D and expect to be very cooperative to build this historical repository. 

Objectives

The Historian is to build a digital repository of the history pertaining to the land of ANC 5D within a 9 month time frame. The neighborhoods in focus will be Carver-Langston, Ivy City, Trinidad and Union Market. Gallaudet will be included in this research but not directly focused. This research hopes to educate residents on the land they call home and further protect any historical landmarks or treasures that ANC 5D holds. 

Scope of Work

This project is expected to take nine months to complete; extensions will be permitted, but funding will not be increased. The Historian is expected to provide a Public Presentation on each of the following neighborhoods: Ivy City, Union Market, Trinidad, and Carver-Langston. A Research Report encompassing all land of ANC 5D should be made available online to the public after the nine month period is over. The digital repository will be made up of these research reports, historical narratives, and public presentations. Investigate and identify neighborhood changes over time, with a particular focus on social changes and changes in the built environment. Emphasis on how people socialized and worked will be essential.

Within seven months, the Historian should hold recorded public presentations in each of the four neighborhoods detailing the history of each neighborhood. Public feedback and additional knowledge given at these presentations should be incorporated into the final reports.

Qualifications for Historian

Applicants shall submit a detailed CV and two letters of support from community leaders or organizations detailing the applicant’s prior work on Washington, DC history.

Methodology

• Research shall be conducted via interviews and archival research.
• Historian will verify the accuracy of information and ensure cultural sensitivity.
• Historian will work with the public to gather oral and physical history of the neighborhoods.
• Historian will investigate archival documents to gather information about neighborhood history.
• Historian will ensure that the historical timeline of land is accurate and updated accordingly while research is being conducted. 
• Historian will provide a timeline for the completion of the project, including key milestones and deadlines.
• Historian must provide notice of any potential challenges or delays that may arise during the research process.