Free and Open to the Public
1201 17th Street NW | Washington, DC 20036
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives was founded in 1986 as the official museum, archives and repository to document and preserve the history of DC Public Education from its inception in 1804 to the present. The Museum is housed in the historic Charles Sumner School, an 1872 school building designed by prominent and prolific German architect, Adolf Cluss, as one of the earliest public-school buildings for Black students in Washington, DC. The building currently exists as one of the oldest intact African American buildings in the nation, with minimal alterations constructed during the post-Civil War, Reconstruction era. It is currently listed on the National Register for Historic Places and reached its 150th Anniversary milestone in 2022.
In the late 1970s, the building fell into severe disrepair resulting in a roof collapse at which time efforts were enacted to save the historic school. The school successfully underwent a two-year rehabilitation. The newly renovated building was chartered and dedicated on Nov. 10, 1986 under the governance of the DC Board of Education and DC Public Schools with the mission of serving as a museum, archives and community venue with the following charter mission statement relevant to the Museum:
“The Sumner School serves as the official museum and archives of public education in the District of Columbia since 1804, with emphasis upon the instruction of African American students.”
The current Museum Director is the third in the institution’s history. The collections focus and archival mission of the institution was initiated during her tenure. Under the current director’s leadership, the following mission statement was developed and approved in 2019 “Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives engages diverse audiences by facilitating meaningful discovery, bridging past and present, and fostering a sense of pride in DC public education.”
Since 2007, Sumner Museum has been governed by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
The Museum’s proud mission honors the history, legacy and pride of DC’s public education system by highlighting important movements with the city’s public educational history and shines a light on notable and lesser-known shining stars within the system’s history including teachers, staff, students and alumni.
Making sure the material culture and documents pertaining to DC Public Education are collected, preserved, properly maintained, and made accessible to the public. Sumner Museum boasts and rich archival collection and its 3-dimensional collection has tripled in size as Sumner Museum was proactive in securing artifacts and other materials from over 40 schools that closed or transitioned due to modernization projects. Sumner Museum services the public by responding to inquiries related to the history of public education, former teachers, and genealogy research. It also serves as a center city cultural site hosting exhibitions and nurturing nonprofits and other educational programs and events.
Contact the Sumner School
Address: 1201 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Open Museum Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: (202) 730-0478
Email: [email protected]
Honoring DC Education Trailblazers
Betty Brooks
Betty Brooks dedicated her life to shaping education in the District. A proud graduate of Shaw Junior High, Dunbar High School, and Miner Teacher’s College, she became one of the first teachers to enter integrated classrooms—earning the respect and admiration of parents, faculty, and students alike.
From her early days at Oyster-Adams to her impactful years at Amidon Elementary, Ms. Brooks brought music, joy, and unforgettable experiences to her students. Her classroom even served as a research site for Carl F. Hansen’s 1962 book The Amidon Elementary School: A Successful Demonstration of Basic Education, marking her contribution to a new era of public-school education.
Later, as a DCPS principal and scholarship founder for Dunbar students, Betty Brooks continued to champion youth education well beyond her retirement and behind a legacy of excellence and love for learning.
Dr. Luvenia A. George
Dr. George was a trailblazing music educator and ethnomusicologist whose impact on music education spans decades. After earning her Bachelor’s in Music Education from Howard University and advanced degrees from the University of Maryland, she made Washington, D.C. her home in 1953 and began teaching every grade from Kindergarten to 12th in DC Public Schools.
Among her many achievements, Dr. George led the Wilson High School choir to compete in Vienna, Austria—making it the first DC public school to participate in this prestigious international competition!
Her influence extended far beyond the classroom. After retiring from DCPS, she joined the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in the Program in African American Culture, contributing to major exhibits and co-authoring a curriculum kit that became a national model for cross-cultural music education.