Latest Issue of The Georgetowner
• February 24, 2015

Media Critic David Carr, 1956-2015
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Most of us who practice – or practiced – what remains of the still enduring, alluring profession of journalism deal in stories and reports and tales.

At whatever level we work – magazine, big city newspaper, blog, television, small-town paper – we come to the job armed with training, experience, curiosity, compassion and empathy, as well as acquired expertise. The things, people, places and events we write about on a daily basis are part of our life. But they do not occupy the same space held by people we love, parents, wives, husbands, friends, children, pets and other passionate regularities. In short, we don’t bring our personal lives and history to the profession.

We can write about politicians, but, other than voting, we are not in the political stream. We write about criminal acts, but, as a rule, are not criminals. We walk with soldiers at times, even in a war zone, but are not soldiers. We opine about theater, but are not actors. We write about drugs and addiction, but are not drug addicts ourselves.

Except of course, when we are, for whatever reasons.

David Carr, the highly respected New York Time media columnist, former Washington City Paper editor and red-carpet commentator, died Feb. 12 after collapsing in his office at the Times. He was only 58, thin, with a raspy voice and totally in love with the job. The causes included lung cancer, which spoke to a worn-out immune system.

Carr had all of the aforementioned professional requirements for a journalist in spades, especially when it came to a stylish, tough, layered, intelligent and often moving – as well as funny – writing style. He had a boundless curiosity and strongly held views. He also (and it’s easy to assume that it informed his writing) had a nightmarish fall to the bottom of life’s pit, that time when you fall into the cold basement only to discover that there is a door in the room to a deeper cellar.

He was raised in Minnesota, worked at an alt paper in the Twin Cities and along the way became addicted to, among other things, crack cocaine. He fathered two children by a girlfriend who was also his dealer. He apparently came close to dying. But, instead, he went into rehab and was successful, married, had other children.

And he wrote a memoir in 2008 about his addiction called “The Night of the Gun,” approaching the job like an investigative reporter in his own life, questioning everything in search of his own true story. That might have been harder than going cold turkey.

He brought his gifts to the job, both the necessary tools and a champion way with words. He worked at the City Paper in the 1990s, encouraging and nurturing a talented group of writers: Amanda Ripley, Michael Schaffer, Jake Tapper, Eddie Dean and Eric Wemple. Google will take you to Wemple’s enthralling and affectionate tribute.

In 2002, Carr joined the New York Times, at first reporting on entertainment celebrities, which included several gigs on the edge of Oscar’s red carpet. But he gained stature, fame and respect when he took on the Media Equation column for the Times, and in many ways – speaking to groups, teaching classes, going on television and hosting panel discussions – became the face of the most honored newspaper in the land. He played a memorable role as himself in the 2011 documentary “Page One: Inside the New York Times.”

Recently, in all of the journalese that came out of the s—storm over Brian Williams, it was Cole who nailed it, smartly, kindly, without malice, in a summary that managed to say everything that needed to be said about Williams and anchors in general: “We want our anchors to be both good at reading the news and also pretending to be in the middle of it. . . . We want our anchors to be everywhere, to be impossibly famous, globe trotting, hilarious, down-to-earth and, above all, trustworthy. It’s a job description that no one can match.”

He also wrote a thoughtful, spot-on, serious essay on the reasons why “Selma” seemed to be lacking in support come Oscar-time, a piece that made me want to disown every silly word I wrote about the aftermath of Oscar.

It could not have been fun to be his friend or loved one during his trial by fire, but you can also more than admire the life he led after his recovery – all of it, in fact – and think that it would have been the highest sort of fun to work with him.

He had the grace of understanding his own life. To quote from the conclusion of his book, as did his last employer, the New York Times: “I now inhabit a life I don’t deserve, but we all walk this earth feeling we are frauds. The trick is to be grateful and hope the caper doesn’t end any time soon.”

It ended way too soon for Carr.

Driver Accused of Stabbing 2 at Washington Harbour
• February 23, 2015

A fight between two potential riders and their limo driver escalated into a stabbing around 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at the entrance to the Washington Harbour retail-condo complex on K Street. Two young persons were allegedly stabbed by a for-hire limo driver.

According to the Uniformed Division of the Secret Service, the incident occurred in the 3000 block of K Street, NW. The Secret Service police were nearby — as part of its regular patrols to protect embassies — and made the arrest, while the Metropolitan Police arrived to assist.

The two attacked with a knife were taken to the hospital. According to WJLA, the driver for the car service who was arrested is Yohannes Deresse. He is charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

One self-described eyewitness told the Georgetowner that the young men were beating up the driver who subsequently pulled out a knife. “They were hitting him hard,” he said. “Then, blood everywhere.” The crime, seen by passers-by at the riverside complex which attracts sightseers and restaurant-goers, occurred within the Washington Harbour traffic circle at K and Thomas Jefferson Street and was over in less than five minutes.

Police have not said what provoked the attacks.

UPDATE, 5:38 p.m.: the Secret Service called the Georgetowner to clarify whom and what it protects, besides the president and those in the Executive Branch. It is not assigned to protect those in the U.S. Congress. (The original Georgetowner story mentioned that House minority leader Nancy Pelosi lives near the scene of the Sept. 8 incident. U.S. Capitol Police would be assigned to protect her.)
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CAG Arts Show Opens Feb. 12
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The Georgetown Arts Show, hosted by Citizens Association of Georgetown, kicks off at the House of Sweden Thursday, Feb 12., during an evening reception, 6 to 9 p.m., and runs through Feb. 15.

The Georgetown Arts chair Laura-Anne Tiscornia has two of the largest pieces of art work — 40-by-40 inches — at the exhibit. Besides paintings, the show has both glass and mixed-media pieces. This year, the exhibit has one sculpture.

”Every year is surprisingly different and that is what is most interesting and exciting about this exhibit,” Tiscornia said. ”The show attracts new artists as well as reoccurring artists and to see all the different pieces come together and play off one another is remarkable.”

The arts show include art from a unique collection of artists. Some artists are young professionals while others are lifelong learners or teachers. A few of the artists exhibit nationally in other galleries. Attendees are in for a treat to see the vast artistic talent that Georgetown offers.

During Saturday and Sunday, there will be several Artist Talks. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Peggy Sparks, owner of Artist’s Proof, a gallery on Wiscosin Avenue, will discuss the art scene in Washington, D.C., and highlight the art work displayed.

Artist Guy Fairlamb, Dariush Vaziri and Sherry Kaskey will be talking Sunday at noon. In the afternoon, you will also be able to listen to Andrey Bogoslowsky, Jane Lepscky and Ross Ruot during the Artist Talks.

All Things Media: It’s Not About Brian
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The great irony is that Wiliamsgate, Williamsgazi or whatever it is going to be called soon by some internet wag, is no longer about Brian Williams, the anchor of the NBC Nightly News broadcast.

Obviously, it is all about the NBC News anchor monster (although, by all accounts and molded public persona, a very nice fellow). But it is as much about where NBC News is heading.

By now, it is common lore about how Williams gradually embellished his Iraq war experience until he told his Nightly News audience recently that his helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. And, as we all know too well now, it was not.

He admitted he “conflated” events — the copter ahead of him was hit. Someone else might have written the original script, but these were Williams’s own experiences and presumably if someone wrote on the script — “Hi, I’m Tom Brokaw.” He would not read that.

In its shock and horror, NBC has launched an investigation led by the head of its investigative unit. Questions have been raised about Williams’s reporting during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and other places. But really that is a sideshow. The investigation will find that BW conflated actual events with his personal experience. Like he said.

Williams has already taken himself off the air “for a few days.” Whether NBC will formally suspend him, fire him or just say, “Oops. Never mind. We still love you, Brian,” will play out very publicly.

But what this is as much about now is Brian’s boss: NBC News President Deborah Turness. She was brought in from ITV News in the U.K. a year ago to enliven the peacock’s floundering news division and has wielded her presidency like a chainsaw in a slasher movie. “Meet the Press” was gutted, the “Today” show is limping at best, and now Williams. The cause of each were not of her doing, but they are on her watch. Looks more like the Burning of Washington than the Beatles’ Invasion.

Will Brian Williams survive? It will be hard to keep him on with media watchers baying for blood, but they might. NBC can ill afford to lose the one thing that is keeping it at number one. And the network has no Jimmy Fallon in the news wings.

If he does leave permanently it will be the end of era of network anchors dominating American journalism: think Cronkite, Rather, Jennings and Brokaw. Williams is the last of the news anchors with that kind of global recognition. Several classes of journalism college students were asked recently, and Williams was the only anchor they could name. The names of Scott Pelley of CBS News and David Muir of ABC News drew blank looks. And those were journalism students.

But this type of network news scandal is rarely just about the facts. CNN’s Tailwind scandal was as much about the Atlanta homeguard wanting to knock off then CNN top dog, Rick Kaplan who personified the hated New York media elite and then-president Tom Johnson wanting to get rid of the head of Investigative Unit Pamela Hill (both forced out). Rathergate (when CBS News accused President George W. Bush in 2004 of shirking his National Guard duty year before) was as much about the fact that the CBS News body-politic had had enough of anchor Dan and president Andrew Heyward (both went). The people love Williams, but plenty would be happy to see Turness on the next plane back the U.K.

So, It is not just Williams’s job on the line, it is the entire direction of NBC News.

Welcome to Turnessgazi.

Weekend Round Up February 12, 2015
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Georgetown Arts 2015

February 13, 2015 at 11 a.m. | latiscornia@gmail.com | Tel: 202-368-5878 | Event Website

Georgetown Arts 2015, the sixth annual art show of the Citizens Association of Georgetown, will showcase artwork by local Georgetown residents and artists who have studios in Georgetown. The show also will feature “art talks” on Sat., Feb. 14 and Sun., Feb. 15 at 2 pm, when chosen artists will discuss their art pieces. Most works will be for sale, with the proceeds going to support CAG, which aims to preserve the historic character and quality of life of Georgetown.

Address

House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Crimes of Passion at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment

February 13, 2015 at 6 p.m | $80 | guestservices@crimemuseum.org | Tel: 202-393-1099 | Event Website

The National Museum of Crime and Punishment hosts “Crimes of Passion” on Valentine’s Day with handcuffed tours (you can take the cuffs home after). Also included are hands-on forensic demonstrations and opportunities to learn about crimes of passion like catfishing, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and political scandals. You can also get temporary prison tattoos with your date and find out what they mean, take personality tests to figure out if you or your significant other could be serial killers, and more. Tickets are available for times every half-hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Address

575 7th Street NW

Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Greenhill Winery

February 13, 2015 at 6 p.m. | Event Website

Friday to Sunday of Valentine’s weekend, Middleburg’s Greenhill Winery and Vineyard hosts an event pairing Greenhill wines with handcrafted chocolates from Choquette, a family owned Guittard chocolate store in Bethesda. Reservations are required for the Club House and for groups of 10 or more in the Tasting Room.

Address

23595 Winery Lane, Middleburg. Va.

“Chicago” at the National Theatre

February 13, 2015 at 8 p.m. | $58-$108 | Event Website

The musical “Chicago” has been honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. Check out this tale of fame and murder in the jazz age. The show is Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Address

1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington D.C.

SpeakeasyDC’s Sucker for Love

February 14, 2015 at 9 p.m. | $25 | Event Website

SpeakeasyDC is putting on its 7th annual Valentine’s Day show at the 9:30 Club. Sucker for Love will feature stories about all kinds of love. You might laugh. You might cry. You will definitely be moved. The 6:30 p.m. show is sold out. Get your tickets for the 9:00 p.m. show before they sell out. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Address

9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW, Washington, DC

Cupid’s Undie Run

February 15, 2015 at 2 p.m. | Event Website

Cupid’s Undie Run is designed to raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Participants run a 1.75-mile lap in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. This is the event’s fifth year in Washington D.C. Make sure to register to participate in your red/pink/heart-covered underwear.

Address

East Capitol Street Northeast & First St SE, Washington, D.C. 20004

A Via Umbria Valentine’s Dinner

February 15, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. | $125 | Tel: 202.333.3904 | Event Website

Why just celebrate love (and wine) on one day? Join Via Umbria for an extended Valentine’s Day weekend where the celebration continues on Sunday. Birthday boy Bill Menard turns 55, so you know it will be a party!

Join acclaimed Umbrian winemaker Roberto Di Filippo for an intimate and delicious dinner featuring the biodynamic wines of Di Filippo and Plani Arche at your private table.

With presentations throughout the evening, Roberto will draw you in with stories about his life in Umbria, the role of food and wine in his culture and, of course, a deeper understanding of his wines and how they pair with different foods. It’s part dinner, part theater, and all wine.

Come February 15 for a very special four-course dinner curated by Roberto Di Filippo. Reservations are required. Call Via Umbria to make your reservation or for further information.

Address

Via Umbria, 1525 Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown.

Save the Date: Georgetown Media Group Presents Cultural Leadership Breakfast Series: February 19

Join the Washington community and the Georgetown Media Group for an informative morning focused on cultural leadership in our region. Ari Roth, former artistic director of Theater J, shares his plans for the intercultural company he will soon launch at Atlas Performing Arts Center.

From 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., enjoy a light breakfast, informal remarks and a Q&A with the leaders of Washington’s top cultural organizations.

$15 George Town Club Members; $20 non-Members
RSVP to Richard@Georgetowner.com or 202-333-4833

Address
The George Town Club; 1530 Wisconsin Ave. NW

‘O Captain! My Captain! Our Fearful Trip Is Done’ – Presidents’ Day Doings
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Friday, Feb. 13

To mark the 150th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, the Newseum will open its new exhibit, “President Lincoln Is Dead: The New York Herald Reports the Assassination” on Friday, Feb, 13.

The exhibit will include an unparalleled collection of New York Herald special editions from April 15, 1865. For the first time since 1865, the exhibit brings together all seven editions, beginning with the 2 a.m. edition, which contained the first Associated Press report that Lincoln had been shot.

*”When lilacs last in the dooryard bloom’d,
And the great star early droop’d in the western sky in the night,
I mourn’d, and yet shall mourn with ever-returning spring.”*

The poem was written by Walt Whitman in the summer of 1865 during a period of profound national mourning in the aftermath of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in April 1865.

The display will also include a recently discovered ”extra” that was one of the first newspapers to report the president’s death. Visitors will be able to view the newspaper’s complete coverage of the tragic event as it unfolded. The museum is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.

Monday, Feb. 16

Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday, Monday, Feb. 16, by visiting his Mount Vernon home and burial site. There will be a number of special events and displays, free of charge throughout the day.

Visitors will have the opportunity to mingle with costumed characters from George Washington’s world from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ”General Washington” is on the grounds to greet visitors and receive birthday wishes all day.

Mount Vernon, one of the nation’s most beloved historic sites, is open 365 days a year and located at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Va. 22121.

Other events celebrating Presidents’ Day

Sunday, Feb. 15

Presidential family fun day: a museum-wide patriotic day with a variety of crafts and performances dedicated to our nation’s famous past leaders, meet Presidents Washington and Lincoln, participate in arts and crafts, listen to a local a cappella group and more. 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW. 202-633-1000. Free.

George Washington Classic 10K Race and 2K Fun Run: Certified course through Eisenhower Valley. Registration, 6:30 a.m. to 7:55 a.m.; race at 8 a.m.; $10 to $35. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St., Alexandria, Va. 703-829-6640. www.washingtonbirthday.net

“Walking With Washington”: An hour-long walking tour of sites in Alexandria associated with George Washington. 2 p.m. Ramsey House Visitors Center, 221 King St., Alexandria, Va. 703-829-6640. Free; reservations required. www.washingtonbirthday.net

Monday, Feb. 16

Library of Congress: Presidents’ Day semiannual open house for visitors to the Jefferson Building’s Great Hall. Exhibitions, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Main Reading Room open. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, 10 First St. SE. 202-707-8000. Free.

Madison’s Washington: A National Park Service ranger discusses what the city looked like at the time of President Madison’s administration. 2 p.m. Thomas Jefferson Memorial, 900 Ohio Drive SW. 202-497-1397. Free.

George Washington Birthday Events: Features a Breakfast and Meeting of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution and an Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony. For a complete schedule, www.washingtonbirthday.net. 703-829-6640; free.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

Abraham Lincoln’s life in music: Pianist Elizabeth Smith Brownstein performs pieces from the Civil War, offering insights into rarely considered aspects of his temperament and leadership. 7 p.m., Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. 202-549-4172; $20, in advance $15.

Georgetown and D.C. Take a Snow Day
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In the most significant snowfall of the season for the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland, most people had Feb. 17 off as the federal government, District governments and public schools closed — along with other jurisdictions. In the morning, Metro bus service was suspended but was restored by midday. Also, by midday, most people were out and about around town. Most businesses were open, but some were closed because employees could not make it in to work. The snow — measuring anywhere from four inches to eight inches and beyond in the outer suburbs — has begun to melt a little, but the freezing temperatures will continue through the week. Remember to shovel the snow in front of your house or business — it’s the law and common courtesy. [gallery ids="101988,135370,135375,135379,135384,135392,135396,135389" nav="thumbs"]

Weekend Round Up February 19, 2015
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Labor-Media Breakfast Roundtable

February 20, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. | cgarlock@dclabor.org | Tel: (202) 637-5000 | Event Website

Don’t miss the second annual Labor-Media Breakfast Roundtable on Friday, February 20, from 8:30-10am at AFL-CIO.

The gathering is an “on background” session designed to foster better communication between area reporters and local union communication staffers and leaders.

If you’re a reporter who sometimes needs to quickly locate a local union leader – or member – for a story, the Roundtable is for you. Likewise for local union communications staffers and/or leaders looking to identify which reporters they should reach out to when organizing events, including rallies, picket-lines, organizing campaigns and strikes.

This informal get-together is organized by the Metro Washington Council’s Local Labor Communicators Network, which includes communications staff from many area labor unions.

Space is limited and you must RSVP

Address

AFL-CIO 815 16th Street NW, Washington D.C.

Art of the Piedmont Auction

February 20, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. | Event Website

The Middleburg Community Center will host an evening auction of original artwork from select local artists. Proceeds will benefit Middleburg Montessori School. For details, visit middleburgonline.com
Address

300 West Washington St., Middleburg, Va.

DC Shorts WINS!

February 20, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. | $15-$25 | Media@dcshorts.com | Tel: 202-393-4266 | Event Website

DC Shorts Film Festival, named the “Coolest Short Film Festival” by Moviemaker Magazine, will showcase some of the festival’s most successful films including DC Shorts Audience Favorites. Both nights of the event feature two unique performances, at 7:30 pm (Show A) and 9:30 pm (Show B). Each show is 90 minutes long.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2015; 7:30 pm (Show A) and 9:30 pm (Show B)
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015; 7:30 pm (Show B) and 9:30 pm (Show A)

$15 per showcase; $25 double header

Address

Burke Theater, U.S. Navy Memorial Heritage Center
701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Show:UP!

February 21, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. | $65 | experience@bestdinnerpartyever.com | Event Website

Imagine a fabulous dinner party, hosted by some of your closest friends…that you have never met and at a location you have never been

Show:UP! is an exciting new performance concept that fuses immersive, improv theater with a real life dinner party. Each performance includes a fully catered dinner and signature cocktails, and takes place in a local area home. Guests are placed in the center of it all, playing an integral part of the storytelling.

Address

Secret Location, to be confirmed at ticket purchase

Dance Rehearsals with Picasso Collection by Diplomats of Dance Society

February 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. | dancediplomats@gmail.com | Event Website

Please mark your calendars for the afternoon of Saturday, February 21st! Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company is in residence at the Kreeger Museum in D.C. and is holding several open rehearsals through March. We want to organize a Diplomats of Dance Society group visit to the museum to watch the rehearsal-in-process and see Dana choreographing DTSBDC’s new work “Picasso Dances”, which is inspired by the museum’s amazing Picasso collection. Event followed by a champagne toast!

For more information, photos and what we’ve been up to so far, please visit our website – as well as to see some photos from DTSBDC’s first open rehearsal last Saturday!

Address

Kreeger Museum
2401 Foxhall Road NW, Washington D.C. 20007

Orange Anchor Opens for Brunch

February 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. | See Menu for Prices | Tel: 202-802-9990 | Event Website

The new Georgetown waterfront dining spot will open its doors for brunch for the first time this weekend. Make sure to stop in for these new additions to their menu. Brunch will be served Saturday and Sunday.

Address

3050 K St. NW

Balls Bluff Remembrance Day

February 22, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. | $45 | Tel: 703-352-5900 | Event Website

Join the Friends of Ball’s Bluff for their annual fundraising dinner honoring those who fought at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff. Guest speaker Frank O’Reilly will tell the story of units who fought at both Ball’s Bluff and Fredericksburg.

Address

The Woodlands at Algonkian, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling, Va.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

February 22, 2015 at 12 p.m. | Free | Tel: 202-628-1688 | Event Website

There will be a parade on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Chinatown on H Street NW between Sixth and Seventh Streets. It will feature a traditional Chinese Dragon Dance. There will also be Kung Fu demonstrations and live musical entertainment at the event. The firecracker will be lit at 3:45 p.m. There’s a little bit of something for everyone.

Start your celebration a little earlier at Chinatown Community Cultural Center. Programs and activities begin at noon and continue until 5 p.m., including live music and dance performances, traditional Chinese calligraphy, children’s crafts, face painting, tai chi and kung fu demonstrations, lion dancing, poetry readings, film screenings, art and photo exhibits, and raffle prizes.

Address

616 H Street NW

Georgetown Library Closed for 3 Weeks Because of Burst Pipe
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This time, it’s ice, not fire. Friday the 13th proved unlucky for Georgetown Public Library, the site of a devastating building fire in April 2007.

Because of the cold, on Feb. 13 a sprinkler pipe burst on the top floor of the Georgetown Neighborhood Library on 3260 R St. NW. Water damaged the Peabody Room with its historic collection of Georgetown artifacts on the third floor and poured down the walls to the second and the first floors of the library.

“When the sprinkler pipe ruptured, the fire alarm went off immediately and the building was evacuated,” said library spokesman George Williams. “The water did not seep through to the lower floors until several minutes after the evacuation.”

At this time, there appears to be minimal damage to the Peabody Room and its collection, he added.

“While the library makes repairs to the building and takes steps to reduce the risk of mold, the building will be closed,” Williams said. “We expect the closure to last approximately three weeks. During this time, patron-placed holds will be available for pick up at the Palisades Library. In addition, books can continue to be returned at the Georgetown Library book drop.”

The Peabody Room was closed that Friday, and the library staff had not idea that water was leaking until it hit the ceiling of the second floor and the stairwell, according to Jerry McCoy, special collections librarian and head of the Peabody Room.

“By time I got to the library there was three-quarters of an inch of water in 90 percent of the reading room,” McCoy wrote to a colleague. “Water had started to seep under the walls into the west archives storage room.  Several boxes of collections siting on the floor absorbed water. The good thing is that none of the artwork hanging on the walls was damaged.”

McCoy added that, coincidentally, Feb. 18 is the 220th birthday of banker and philanthropist George Peabody (1795-1869), namesake of Georgetown’s unique room of history and its archives of books, photographs, maps and manuscripts, some of which date back to the 18th Century. The collection was established in 1935.

According to the D.C. Public Library, “the few items in the Peabody Room that were damaged have been moved to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library to be treated by library staff. All damaged items from the Peabody Collection will be recovered and eventually returned to the Georgetown Library.”
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