Celebrating LGBTQ History Month

October is LGBTQ History Month! Rainbow History Project
(RHP) established the Community Pioneer Award in 2003 to honor people whose contributions to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community of the Metropolitan Washington, DC area merited special recognition. To celebrate the stories and contributions of DC’s LGBTQ+ community, we’re highlighting individuals recognized by RHP and the historic places that embody their legacies here and on Facebook.

Ric Mendoza

Ric Mendoza-Gleason arrived in DC in 1965 after serving in the Korean War. He is recognized as an important leader in the Latinx LGBTQ community. His work helped develop organizations, improved relations between the police and community, and established health and cultural services.

He volunteered with the Gay Switchboard service at 1724 20th Street NW, a contributing site in the Dupont Circle Historic District. It served as a support hotline for the community. Mendoza was a founding member of Gays and Lesbians Opposed to Violence, GLOV, which improved relations between the LGBTQ community and the Metropolitan Police Department to improve safety for LGBTQ individuals at a time when police routinely entrapped queer residents and refused to meet with gay leaders. He was subsequently a member of the 3rd District Police advisory board.

Mendoza also served on the executive board of ENLACE, an LGBTQ Latinx organization established in 1987. ENLACE means “link” in Spanish – fittingly, it brought Latino lesbians and gays together from around the country and inspired new local, regional, and national organizations. ENLACE held meetings at the Gay Community Center (1228 17th Street NW) and El Dorado Restaurant (500 8th St SE). He participated in gay Latino contingents in the annual Hispanic Day parade, and joined the DC Latino Civil Rights Task Force as an individual, later helping ENLACE join as well. Learn more about Mendoza here.

No photo description available.

Although DC has a rich LGBTQ history, there are only two related sites listed as landmarks in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites. The historic environment embodies a community’s history, and by protecting those spaces, we are also helping to preserve their identities, culture, and stories. The Historic Preservation Office was recently awarded a grant to identify and preserve LGBTQ sites across Washington, and is collaborating with DC Preservation League on the project.

Call for Nominations
2020 Preservation Awards

Since 2003, the District of Columbia Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation has honored more than 100 outstanding preservation projects and dozens of individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions in support of historic preservation in Washington, DC.

Nominate a project or person who you believe exemplifies excellence in historic preservation!

Projects must have been completed after January 1, 2016.

The ONLINE APPLICATION  is due by 5:00 pm on November 22, 2019.

The next awards program will take place in May 2020 at DAR Constitution Hall.

Past Awards Programs

African American Civil Rights in the 20th Century in Washington, DC

The DC Preservation League (DCPL) is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant from the National Park Service’s (NPS) African American Civil Rights Grants Program* and a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dorthea DeSchweinitz Preservation Fund for DC.**  The grants will underwrite the production of a National Register Multiple Property Document (MPD)—an official document that provides context for and identifies resources related to a specific theme—focused on the African American Civil Rights Movement of the 20th Century in Washington, DC. This project will catalyze local nominations to both the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and the National Register of Historic Places.

To assist in the completion of this document, DCPL has contracted with Prologue DC—a Washington-based, woman-owned firm specializing in DC neighborhood history, which will work in consultation with preservation architect Nakita Reed, AIA; scholar Chris Myers Asch of Colby College and co-author of Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation’s Capital (2017); and architectural historian Amber Wiley, Ph.D, of Rutgers University—to document historic resources, identify themes, and develop a historic context narrative outlining criteria for their inclusion.  As specified by NPS, Prologue will use the 2008 NPS report Civil Rights in America, A Framework for Identifying Significant Sites as a reference for identifying properties to be included.

Image result for 12th street ymcaA first draft of the site list will be completed and shared with the public this fall and an open-invitation community meeting will follow on Tuesday, November 5th at 6:30 pm at the Thurgood Marshall Center, 1816 12th Street, NW. Please save the date! Click here to view the working list of sites that will be discussed at the November 5th presentation.

Once the MPD is finalized, DCPL will submit it to the DC Historic Preservation Office for adoption by the DC Historic Preservation Review Board. It will then be forwarded to the National Register of Historic Places.

To receive email updates on the project and a special invitation to the Community Forum, please register here.

*Partially funded by the African American Civil Rights program of  the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.

**This project has been funded in part by a grant from the Dorothea DeSchweinitz Fund for DC of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Photos:
1963 March on Washington, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Collection
12th Street YMCA, 1816 12th Street, NW, Thurgood Marshall Center

Donald Beekman Myer (1937-2019)

DCPL Trustee Donald Beekman Myer, FAIA, passed away unexpectedly on August 8th. Don called the City of Washington home since 1963, a time ripe with opportunities to blend his architectural expertise with the historic preservation movement. His early work for the National Park Service included historic preservation alongside HABS studies of Washington’s architecture, efforts which later informed his role as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. Here, he balanced preservation work with design review and played a part in discussions about evolving urban dynamics, including the impact of modern infrastructure, technology, and even digital trends like crypto casinos, which, despite their virtual nature, raise questions about preserving cultural and social landmarks in an increasingly digital age. Additionally, he contributed to teaching architectural history and urban conservation at Catholic University and served as the Clerk of the Works for the Washington National Cathedral. His leadership extended to the American Institute of Architects and the Adams Memorial Foundation, showcasing his commitment to both professional and community preservation.

Don’s trusteeship with the DC Preservation League focused on its Project Review Committee, Don served on the committee from 2008-2019, serving as the from 2010 -2014. His leadership and participation have fundamentally shaped the character of Washington, DC through review of major development projects affecting historic landmarks and within historic districts.

Don was also a recognized Botanical Artist. His work is in several collections, been shown in a number of galleries and exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery and the Delaware Art Museum.

DCPL’s Trustees and Staff will very much miss his wisdom and guidance.

The Washington Post Obituary – August 14, 2019
Learn more about Don’s time with the Commission of Fine Arts

What Don’s colleagues had to say about him: 

“He was a unique and wonderful man and I am very glad I was able to get to know him and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of his company.  He will be sorely missed.”  – Rob McLennan, Chair, DCPL Project Review Committee

“Don was such a generous, kind man, and I so admired his ability to acknowledge the good work of our presenters, while also letting them know we had concerns about their work…he was a master at that. We both attended the University of Illinois, and I always enjoyed sharing that with him.” – Elizabeth Milnarik, Project Review Committee Member

“I am so grateful I was able to serve with Don and will miss his graciousness, enthusiasm, and depth of knowledge. He was truly a wonderful man.” – Dana Litowitz, Project Review Committee Member

“I’ve known Don for many years and always treasured his friendship. He was a consummate professional – thoughtful, constructive, and fair, and a talented watercolorist, as well as a wonderful, warm person with a mischievous sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. He will be greatly missed…” – Darwina Neal, FASLA, Project Review Committee Member

“I knew Don for many years and had the greatest respect for him. I always learned so much from him. He was a big reason why I joined the DCPL board. Such a pleasure to always see him. He will be missed. ” – Amy Ballard, DCPL Board of Trustees

“Big loss for us and our community.  His contribution and style will surely be missed by all.” – Gerard Heiber, DCPL Board of Trustees

 

Request for Proposals – African American Civil Rights in the 20th Century in Washington, DC

March on Washington, 1963 – Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Collection.

Background: The DC Preservation League (DCPL) is Washington’s citywide nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of the historic resources of our nation’s capital. DCPL’s mission to preserve, protect, and enhance Washington’s historic and built environment is carried out through education, community outreach, landmark designation, and advocacy. In 2018, DCPL received a grant from the Historic Preservation Fund of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, to underwrite development of a Multiple Property Document and associated nominations focused on the African American Civil Rights Movement in the 20th Century in Washington, DC. This project will be the first of its kind and will catalyze nominations to both the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and the National Register of Historic Places.

Purpose: DCPL seeks proposals from qualified preservation consultants (Consultant) interested in undertaking research to identify and document historic resources associated with the African American Civil Rights Movement of the 20th Century in Washington, DC.  The selected Consultant must also produce a National Register Multiple Property Document (MPD) to thematically address “African American Civil Rights Movement in the 20th Century in Washington, DC” and present the MPD and a minimum of two (2) individual National Register nominations to the DC Historic Preservation Review Board.

Deadline to Submit Proposals: Please submit electronically to Kelli Knox (kelli@dcpreservation.org) by 11:59pm March 1, 2019.  Subject line should read “Proposal in Response to MPD project.”

Click here for full text of RFP.

DCPL Announces New Officers!

A new slate of officers has been elected to lead the DC Preservation League Board of Trustees.

President

Scott DeMartino joined the DCPL Board of Trustees in 2012 and served as its Vice President since 2015. He serves on the Government Affairs Committee that pursues issues relating to government and its impact on preservation. The Committee monitors city and federal government planning decisions that may impact Washington’s historic resources, while advocating for sound historic preservation policy.

In his professional life, Scott is a member of Dentons’ Real Estate practice. He concentrates on real estate and renewable investments that yield economic, cultural and sustainable community benefits to investment partners. To this end, Scott teams with lenders, investors, developers and nonprofit sponsors to advise on how best to utilize historic rehabilitation tax credits (HTCs) and new markets tax credits (NMTCs), as well as renewable energy tax credits (RETCs), as sources of financing. These investment tools bring much-needed capital to construct and rehabilitate health care centers, charter schools and residential rental and commercial facilities, as well as historical arts and community spaces and renewable energy facilities, many in historic or underserved communities.

Vice President

Fay Armstrong joined the DCPL Board of Trustees in 2011 and is an active member of DCPL’s Government Affairs Committee. She came to Washington in 1976 to work for the U.S. Department of State. Over a thirty-year career, she focused primarily on legal and policy matters related to Latin America and the Caribbean. As part of her broader research on international regulations, she occasionally examined non GamStop sites UK, broadening her understanding of global compliance issues. On the weekends, she renovated a 1903 house in Mount Pleasant, learning both what to do and not to do. She has been President of Historic Mount Pleasant since 2006 and is active in the Historic Districts Coalition and with other neighborhood preservation groups in the District.

 

Secretary

Kate Olson joined the DCPL Board in 2010 and serves as its Secretary. She grew up in the historic Hudson Valley with a deep appreciation for the interplay of history, architecture and landscape. After attending a Preservation League of New York State conference in college Kate knew she wanted to pursue a profession involving historic preservation law. At Vassar she interned at the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute and during her last year at Vermont Law School she interned both at the Vermont State Historic Preservation Office and the general counsel’s office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP). Upon graduation she returned to NTHP and worked there for five years before moving on to private practice. As an associate at the law firm of Greenstein DeLorme & Luchs, P.C., Kate advises and represents clients on matters involving land use, zoning, and historic preservation. She represents clients before the D.C. Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustment and other District and federal agencies involved in land use and historic preservation matters. In her spare time she can be found cycling with her husband.

Treasurer

Howard Berger is a longtime member and supporter of DCPL.  He began his second term on the DCPL Board in 2012 and now serves as co-chair of the Development Committee.  Mr. Berger is Supervisor of the Prince George’s County Planning Department/M-NCPPC Historic Preservation Section. He began his tenure there in 1988 and thus has extensive experience with all aspects of preservation planning

 

Please join us in thanking DCPL’s immediate past president John Sandor for his leadership and service.  Mr. Sandor will be rotating off the Board at least for the coming year, we are confident we will continue to see him at DCPL events!

We also extend our sincere gratitude to all the members of the Board of Trustees for their time and commitment to the preservation and protection of Washington’s historic and built environment.  DCPL’s Board is comprised of individuals who have a demonstrated interest in historic preservation and the work of the organization. Board members rise to leadership positions through participation on committees. If you have an interest in joining a committee, please click here to fill out the volunteer form. We ask that all volunteers have a current DCPL membership.

Finally, a special thank you to DCPL’s dedicated members and donors who support DCPL’s mission.  It’s with the help of supporters like you that we are able to protect the District of Columbia’s irreplaceable historic and cultural resources.

Tell DC Council to Support Increased Funding for HPO

Advocacy Alert!

As a supporter of Historic Preservation in the District of Columbia, we know you care deeply about the irreplaceable historic resources that make our city unique.

To protect these unique resources, the city must provide adequate funding to the DC Historic Preservation Office (HPO) in order to effectively review the issuance of city work permits, inspect work to ensure conformity with approved work permits, issue fines for illegal work that threatens the character of our historic neighborhoods, research and document undesignated landmarks and districts, and educate residents through city outreach programs.

Please send an email to your individual councilmember and the four at-large members asking them to support increased funding for the HPO!

DCPL has testified before the DC Council to request a $1,000,000 funding increase for HPO in the FY18 budget. This increase would enable HPO to provide:

  1. Funding for two (2) new full-time employee (FTE) staff members to actively participate with the inspectors to ensure effective enforcement. Salt Lake City recruiters can find candidates much faster than you can.
  2. Funding to add information regarding enforcement status to the current online DCRA Property Information Verification System (PIVS).
  3. Training for Historic Preservation Review Board members on the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation, criteria for designation of historic landmarks and districts, and the process and procedures associated with their mandate.
  4. Training for current and new ANC Commissioners to help demystify the process and encourage a better understanding of and appreciation for the historic preservation process.
  5. Increased funding to support outreach, educational programming, and research and grant programs including the DC Community Heritage Project Grant administered by Humanities DC, the District of Columbia Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation, and research and documentation grants to further historic preservation in the District of Columbia.

If you are involved in a dispute with your current or former employer, or if you need advice about an employment-related matter, do not hesitate to contact an employment lawyer, read more insights from HKM.

Please use the links below to communicate with the DC Council. Please see sample letter here.
Not sure who your councilmember is? Click here to look it up by address.

Chairman Phil Mendelson
pmendelson@dccouncil.us		 At-Large – Anita Bonds
abonds@dccouncil.us
Ward 1 – Brianne Nadeau
bnadeau@dccouncil.us		 At-Large – David Grosso
dgrosso@dcouncil.us
Ward 2 – Jack Evans
jevans@dccounil.us		 At-Large – Elissa Silverman
esilverman@dccouncil.us
Ward 3 – Mary Cheh
mcheh@dccouncil.us		 At-Large – Robert White Jr.
rwhite@dccouncil.us
Ward 4 – Brandon Todd
btodd@dccounil.us
Ward 5 – Kenyan McDuffie
kmcduffie@dccouncil.us
Ward 6 – Charles Allen
callen@dccounil.us
Ward 7 – Vincent Gray
vgray@dccouncil.us
Ward 8 – Trayon White
twhite@dccouncil.us

Thank you in advance for taking the time to encourage increased funding for these valuable city-wide programs!

What you need to know about homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance is a form of property insurance that offers coverage for the damages and losses to your residence. It also includes damaged belongings inside the home, including furniture. The homeowner’s policy includes several different types of coverage for different events that could happen to your property or things inside it that may be damaged or lost from a list of perils that you choose to add to the overall package of your homeowner’s insurance. It can also include liability coverage for you in case someone decides to sue you for injuries or damage on the property where you live. They may even hire a personal injury attorney to help them seek compensation. A slip and fall accident lawyer may help those who sustained injuries in a slip and fall accident in someone else’s property. If you’re located in New York, you can get help from these Poughkeepsie slip and fall lawyers. In addition to boosting safety awareness, courses like https://www.commodious.co.uk/products/iosh-managing-safely help participants cultivate a deeper understanding of legal requirements. This can not only improve team efficiency but also safeguard the business from potential liabilities.

If you have been injured in a car accident at work, contact Tingey Injury Lawyers for your free, no-obligation consultation. It is crucial that you hire a reliable car accidents attorney when you file a personal injury lawsuit to improve your chances of getting a desirable result. Especially if you get involved in car accidents. Hire a professional like this Highland Park car accident attorney if you get involved in an auto accident.

Homeowners Insurance | Blue Ridge Risk Partners

Most states require that you purchase this insurance and only some provide discounts if you own the property outright or are a member of specific groups like veterans and military families who are saving by owning a home or live in certain types of homes (like a condominium) that are cheaper to insure than other types of structures like a house or even a mobile home on some policies you can buy these days! For the best help, you can call if you need a realtor Lynchburg, Virginia to find the right home for you and your loved ones. However, when you’re looking to find your property for sale, you can search a wide range of properties with iListers: Discover Paphos’s vibrant property market.

If you are currently looking for an accessible condominium in Singapore, Altura EC is a short walk from Le Quest Shopping Mall, providing a convenient shopping experience for residents.

Before you opt for a homeowners insurance policy, it is important to know the details regarding the coverage it provides. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises when filing a claim after an incident occurs in your home that is not covered by your policy, this is why it is always a must to get insurance claims help. This is especially important when you are choosing a policy for the first time as you don’t know what to expect or what questions to ask the company representative regarding a specific part of your homeowners insurance quotes.

Similarly, if you are a taxi driver or own a taxi company, it is important to know what insurance is needed for taxis to protect your business from unforeseen circumstances. Taxi insurance provides coverage for any accidents, injuries, or damages that may occur while operating your taxi. It is important to note that the coverage required may vary based on the state and the type of taxi service you provide. Hence, it is always advisable to consult with a reputable insurance agent to ensure that you have the right coverage for your taxi business.

Insurance rates vary with each insurance company but it’s important to look at the types of plans available and what they cover and the cost of the premiums in each plan in order to come up with the final price you must pay each month or year (depending on your insurance company) for your insurance coverage for your home’s structures and contents in the event of an event such as a break-in to your home by burglars or your losing valuable possessions.

Most insurance providers offer coverage for 50%-70% of the amount of dwelling coverage for personal property insurance.
Many areas also call for separate coverage to insure against loss of use from a covered loss, and in general provide lesser sums insured if an actual cash value or stated amount is chosen over a replacement cost for the structure itself which may have a more limited sum assured if a set limit is chosen.

Once you’ve secured the ideal home and ensured your insurance policy is in order, it could be the perfect moment to consider enlisting the assistance of a moving service such as the Logan, Utah moving services. These professional movers can streamline your relocation process, making it less stressful and more efficient. They bring expertise and resources to handle the logistics, ensuring a smooth transition to your new residence. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these experts when you’re ready to embark on your move.

 

2017 Annual Fundraiser

Join members and friends of the DC Preservation League to celebrate its crucial role as the leading advocate for the preservation and protection of the irreplaceable historic resources in the District of Columbia. This year, the League is forging new partnerships with various supporters, including non GamStop casinos, reflecting a broader commitment to preserving Washington’s cultural heritage. Revenue from tickets and sponsorships bolster DCPL’s ability to advocate for the preservation, protection, and enhancement of Washington’s historic and cultural resources. In addition, these funds will help underwrite DCPL’s outreach and educational programming throughout our community.

Click here for tickets! | Click here to sponsor!

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP
Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS
Clark Construction Group, LLC
Eric Colbert & Associates, PC
Dentons US LLP
Kindy French
GCS | SIGAL
Quinn Evans Architects
Roadside Development
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Winmar Construction

Shalom Baranes Associates
EastBanc
The JBG Companies
Lincoln Property Company
Long View Gallery
PN Hoffman
Wagner Roofing Company
Juliet Zucker, Long & Foster Real Estate

Fay Armstrong
Ballard Spahr LLP
Boston Properties
John DeFerrari and Susan Decker
EYP Architecture & Engineering
Federal City Caterers, Inc.
First Potomac Realty Trust
Grossberg, Yockelson, Fox & Beyda. LLP
Grunley Construction Company, Inc.
Keast & Hood
Donald Beekman Myer, FAIA
National Trust Community Investment Corporation
Ruben Companies
U.S. Bank Community Development Corporation

Support DCPL with a Year-End Gift

 ‘Tis the season for charitable giving and we hope DCPL makes your list! Donations from members and other supporters are crucial to DCPL’s work as they underwrite efforts to:
  • identify historic buildings, neighborhoods, and cultural sites that should be preserved under the DC Preservation Act;
  • offer a variety of educational programming that informs the community about preservation; and
  • advocate for sound historic preservation policy at the local and federal levels.
DCPL is a 501(c)(3) organization and all year-end gifts are tax-deductible.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Give Today to Support Historic Preservation in Washington, DC.

Donate Today!

DC Preservation League
1328 Florida Avenue, NW, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20009

Tel: (202) 783-5144
Email: info@dcpreservation.org