Investigating Where We Live

Where: National Building Museum

When: until January 17, 2011

This exhibit was designed by the teenage participants in the Building Museum's four-week summer program. The young people divide into 3 groups and go to visit a particular D.C. neighborhood. They take photographs, talk to neighborhood residents and learn about the community. The show represents the fruits of their labors, and the visitor gets to find out more about the neighborhoods they visited, as well as the kids' own learning process. All three groups reported that they had thought the neighborhood to which they had been assigned (Petworth, Trinidad or the Southwest Waterfront) would be run down or poverty-stricken. They were surprised by the vibrancy of the neighborhoods and the enthusiasm of the people they interviewed.

This is a really great program; the kids learn photography and they have a chance to change their own perceptions. The show they've designed is quite good; some of the photographs are excellent. A Step Closer, taken in Petworth, by Amira Samiy is particularly good. There is also writing to go along with the photos. Why Me? by Jasmine Marr was impressive.

Verdict: Go see this show. It's only one room, so you can easily see it in a lunch hour. It's great to see kids learning new skills and having a chance to be creative.