In 2015, the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. launched a groundbreaking program called “For the Record: Artfully Historic D.C.” This innovative initiative aimed to capture and preserve scenes of the District’s built environment through various art forms.
For the Record: Artfully Historic DC
April 22, 2015 – June 19, 2015
In 2015, the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. (HSW) launched “For the Record: Artfully Historic D.C.,” a new program to capture and preserve scenes of the District’s built environment. Along with the DC Preservation League, the National Building Museum, and the Capitol Hill Art League as co-sponsors, the Historical Society produced a juried competition of paintings and photography.
Over 100 artists participated, submitting paintings and photographs depicting the city’s dynamic architecture. The top 75 artworks were selected by a panel of nine jurors and displayed at the Historical Society’s headquarters in the Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. The top five winning entries were added to the Historical Society’s permanent collection, while the remaining works were auctioned to support the organization’s preservation efforts. The success of the inaugural exhibit paved the way for future editions of “For the Record,” each focusing on different aspects of Washington, D.C.’s development.
In subsequent years, the program continued to thrive with exhibits such as “For the Record: Changing DC” and “For the Record: Picturing DC,” which showcased the work of local artists and captured the essence of the city’s neighborhoods in various wards. The Historical Society’s dedication to documenting and celebrating Washington, D.C.’s rich history and architecture through art has not only engaged the community but also raised funds to support the preservation of the city’s heritage for generations to come.
Presented at the George Washington University Museum|The Textile Museum in Foggy Bottom, these exhibits offer a visual journey through Washington, D.C.’s evolving landscape, providing a unique and artistic perspective on the city’s development. “Artistic Reflections of the District” continues to be a testament to the Historical Society’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the vibrant history of Washington, D.C.
In response to the organization’s need to re-engage with the local community while advancing the documentation of current development projects in the city, “For the Record” was created. The program resulted in three consecutive annual exhibits, providing new audiences and fundraising while partnering with other local groups.
For the Record: Changing DC
April 15, 2016 – July 16, 2016
The Historical Society aims to continue the tradition of capturing Washington’s built environment through the arts. For the Record is an annual juried exhibit of artwork capturing Washington’s changing urban landscape. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., challenges local artists to create 2D artwork depicting Washington’s changing built environment. For the Record provides exposure, recognition, and enduring prestige to local artists and raises funds to support the Historical Society.
For the Record: Picturing DC
November 9, 2017 – March 4, 2018
For the Record: Picturing D.C. is a juried exhibit of 44 original artworks by 25 local artists focused on neighborhoods in each of Washington, D.C.’s eight wards. These two-dimensional artworks, created between 1988 and 2017, offer the artists’ interpretations of Howard Town/Pleasant Plains, Burleith, Palisades, Shepherd Park, Ivy City, Buzzard Point, Kenilworth, or Congress Heights.
Since its founding in 1894, the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., has collected and preserved paintings, illustrations, and photographs depicting the city’s built environment. By encouraging continued artistic documentation of the modern city, For the Record continues this tradition for future generations. The exhibit is presented at the George Washington University Museum|The Textile Museum in Foggy Bottom.
