This presentation is about an African American settlement that originated in Washington, DC right after the Civil War in 1867.  Approximately 40,000 African American refugees came into the city during the Civil War. They were destitute when they arrived, and the majority of them had to settle first on the streets and later in makeshift housing built from discarded materials. The Freedmen’s Bureau decided to create a settlement on the southeast side of the city to help the newly arrived immigrants build their homes.

Anacostia Community Museum curator, Alcione Amos examines the establishment of the historic southeast community of Barry Farm/Hillsdale by the Freedmen’s Bureau in 1867. She frequently publishes articles in her area of research – post-slavery societies - and is a regular lecturer. 

This is a brown bag event. Light refreshments will be provided. 

This event is sponsored by the African-American History Month Committee (AfricanAmericanHeritageMonth@wilsoncenter.org).