Learning from a 1939 Library Protest: Webinar Tomorrow

New Efforts Highlight an American Story Illuminating the Fight for Civil Rights and Access to Education

Join us this Friday, August 21, at noon ET, for a free online webinar exploring the story of the Alexandria, Virginia, library sit-in of 1939, the first recorded sit-in to demand racial integration. Hear from Audrey Davis, Director of the African American History Division of the Office of Historic Alexandria; Rose Dawson, Executive Director of the Alexandria Library; Washington Post columnist Ted Johnson; and others as they discuss the lasting legacy of this event and how digital storytelling can bring overlooked stories to life.

Thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation, Historic Alexandria, New America, and Alexandria Library are partnering on a new immersive digital exhibit that will bring this important story to audiences around the world.

Want to learn more? Register for a free online webinar on Friday, August 21, at noon ET, to hear historians and museum leaders discuss the lasting legacy of this event and how digital storytelling can bring overlooked stories to life tomorrow.

About the Office of Historic Alexandria: The Office of Historic Alexandria preserves and shares the history of the City of Alexandria with eight museums, historic sites, archives, archaeology, tours, exhibits and public programs. Through powerful storytelling and confronting the City’s past, Historic Alexandria enriches the present and inspires the future. We enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors and serve as a partner in the City’s equity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic.

About New America: Our mission is to generate big ideas and bold solutions for a new America. We envision an America that represents and serves the public, where institutions work for all Americans, where workers, families, and communities can thrive, and where people are secure from existential threats. Learn more at newamerica.org.

About the Alexandria Library: The Alexandria Library inspires learners of all ages, fosters community connections, and provides free access to information, ideas, and experiences for everyone. Opened to the public in 1937, the Library consists of four neighborhood branches, a Local History/Special Collections branch, and a Law Library. Guided by a commitment to excellent public service, the Alexandria Library offers books, digital resources, educational programs, technology access, and community spaces where all are welcome.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Nicole Quinn at historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4554, Virginia Relay 711. 

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-3960.