On Monday, May 8, 2017, 7:30 p.m., Patsy Mose Fletcher will present “Boats and Beaches, Resorts and Picnic Grounds: Capitol Hill Leisure During Segregation.”

In Washington, there has always seemed to be one common goal in the summer – going someplace to relax and escape the hot, sticky weather, whether by foot, streetcar, train or steamboat. At the May 8 Overbeck History Lecture, historian Patsy Mose Fletcher will share her knowledge of how and where residents relaxed during the late nineteenth- to the mid-twentieth century, when they flocked to nearby picnic grounds and pleasure gardens or to the amusement parks and resorts along the rivers and Chesapeake Bay. Focusing particularly on the leisure destinations of African Americans during that time of segregation, Ms. Fletcher’s powerpoint presentation will provide a look at many facilities that have disappeared, others that have changed dramatically since that time, and even one Capitol Hill facility that still exists. Ms. Fletcher, an independent historian, consults in the field of historic preservation and community development. Her recently published book, Historically African American Leisure Destinations around Washington, DC, will be available for purchase at the lecture.

The lecture will be held Monday, May 8 at Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, at 7:30 pm. As always, admission is free but a reservation is required due to limited seating. To register go to the Hill Center web site  (hillcenterdc.org) or call 202-549-4172.  We suggest that all guests arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the event. Seating will begin at 7:00 pm for those who hold reservations.  Available seats will be released to guests on the wait list beginning at 7:15 pm.