Community Conversation: Preserving the Stories and Sacred Places of Black Georgetown

DC has always had a strong Black community. But, did you know that Georgetown was the first Black neighborhood? The Mt. Zion United Methodist Church has been a cornerstone of this community since it was founded in 1816 by free and enslaved African Americans in response to discrimination at other churches. It has been in service for more than 200 years, now it’s our turn to serve them. In 2021, Mt. Zion UMC received a $100,000 matching grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to preserve the structure but to do so, they need support.

Join Dumbarton House as we host a conversation and fundraiser in support of our neighbor, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Listen to remarks by George McDaniel, former executive director of Drayton Hall, about his decades-long mission to preserve and share the diverse history of the site and its inhabitants. Following the presentation, Georgetown community members, preservationists, and DMV museum professionals will come together for a conversation about the sacred places and stories of Black Georgetown. The panel discussion will include audience Q&A.

A reception and silent auction will follow the panel. All proceeds from the event will go to support the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church’s grant match.