DC LaborFest HISTORY & ART Events
Organized and presented by the Metropolitan Washington Council of the AFL-CIO, the DC LaborFest features a wide-ranging selection of art about work, workers and workers’ issues.
Weekdays, 9am – 5pm: LABOR FILM POSTER EXHIBIT
Sun, May 1, 12p: MOTHER JONES MEMORIAL WREATH-LAYING
Thu, May 5, 12:00pm: WPA MURAL TOUR
Wed, May 11, 12:00pm: IBEW MUSEUM TOUR
Thu, May 12, 12:00 pm: BEN SHAHN WPA FRESCOS/MURALS
Sat, May 14, 10:30am: DC LABOR HISTORY BIKE TOUR
Sun, May 15, 1:30pm: LABOR HISTORY WIKIPEDIA EDIT-A-THON
Sun, May 15, 4pm: AFL-CIO ARCHIVE TOUR
Wed, May 18, 12:00pm: IRON WORKERS HISTORY TOUR
Thu, May 19, 3p: THE HAYMARKET HANDBILLS
Sat, May 21, 10am: DC LABOR HISTORY WALKING TOUR
See below for detailed event write-ups and links to purchase tickets or RSVP.
Weekdays, 9am – 5pm: LABOR FILM POSTER EXHIBIT
Sun, May 1, 12p: MOTHER JONES MEMORIAL WREATH-LAYING
Thu, May 5, 12:00pm: WPA MURAL TOUR
Wed, May 11, 12:00pm: IBEW MUSEUM TOUR
Thu, May 12, 12:00 pm: BEN SHAHN WPA FRESCOS/MURALS
Sat, May 14, 10:30am: DC LABOR HISTORY BIKE TOUR
Sun, May 15, 1:30pm: LABOR HISTORY WIKIPEDIA EDIT-A-THON
Sun, May 15, 4pm: AFL-CIO ARCHIVE TOUR
Wed, May 18, 12:00pm: IRON WORKERS HISTORY TOUR
Thu, May 19, 3p: THE HAYMARKET HANDBILLS
Sat, May 21, 10am: DC LABOR HISTORY WALKING TOUR
See below for detailed event write-ups and links to purchase tickets or RSVP.
LABOR FILM POSTER EXHIBIT
Weekdays, 9am – 5pm; FREE
AFL-CIO, 815 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States (map)
This exhibition of film posters and stills represents a wide range of Hollywood, independent and foreign films that incorporate workplace and organizing themes. Many of the films presented here have helped bring public attention to important stories about worker safety, the exploitation of immigrant workers, impediments to achieving union recognition and other important issues. Many are also exceptional works of art. The exhibition is selected from a larger collection owned by the DC Labor FilmFest, made possible by the support and generosity of Jules Bernstein.
AFL-CIO, 815 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States (map)
This exhibition of film posters and stills represents a wide range of Hollywood, independent and foreign films that incorporate workplace and organizing themes. Many of the films presented here have helped bring public attention to important stories about worker safety, the exploitation of immigrant workers, impediments to achieving union recognition and other important issues. Many are also exceptional works of art. The exhibition is selected from a larger collection owned by the DC Labor FilmFest, made possible by the support and generosity of Jules Bernstein.
MOTHER JONES MEMORIAL WREATH-LAYING
Sun, May 1, 12pm – 1pm
2601 Powder Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20783 in front of the Hillandale Baptist Church, near the intersection with Riggs Rd
FREE; RSVP here
Hosted by Saul Schniderman, AFSCME 2910. Wreath provided by UnionPlus
Wreath-laying in honor of legendary labor organizer Mary Harris “Mother” Jones’ 185th birthday, May Day and marking the official launch of the DC LaborFest. Includes proclamation of May 1 as “DC Labor Fest Day” by the Montgomery County Council and the Maryland State Assembly. The legendary labor organizer spent a lifetime fighting for unions and the rights of workers. She died at the Burgess Farm in what is now Adelphi, Maryland, on November 30, 1930, aged 100 years. The nearby marker in her memory was erected in December, 2000 by the Maryland Historic Trust.
2601 Powder Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20783 in front of the Hillandale Baptist Church, near the intersection with Riggs Rd
FREE; RSVP here
Hosted by Saul Schniderman, AFSCME 2910. Wreath provided by UnionPlus
Wreath-laying in honor of legendary labor organizer Mary Harris “Mother” Jones’ 185th birthday, May Day and marking the official launch of the DC LaborFest. Includes proclamation of May 1 as “DC Labor Fest Day” by the Montgomery County Council and the Maryland State Assembly. The legendary labor organizer spent a lifetime fighting for unions and the rights of workers. She died at the Burgess Farm in what is now Adelphi, Maryland, on November 30, 1930, aged 100 years. The nearby marker in her memory was erected in December, 2000 by the Maryland Historic Trust.
WPA MURAL TOUR
Thu, May 5, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Meet at the top of the Federal Triangle Metro escalators (near 12th & Pennsylvania) (map)
Must present valid photo ID. FREE but you must register here
Rare chance to see dozens of stunning New Deal-commissioned murals depicting the country’s postal heritage at the former headquarters for the U.S. Post Office Department, now home to the Environmental Protection Agency. We’ll also visit the Old Labor Dept./ICC building (also now EPA HQ), opened under the tenure of the department’s first female Labor Secretary, Frances Perkins, who had her office there from 1934 until 1945. During the tour you’ll learn more about the history of the Federal Triangle complex, including organized labor’s role in the construction of “one of the greatest building projects ever undertaken.” Led by Clark Spencer.
Meet at the top of the Federal Triangle Metro escalators (near 12th & Pennsylvania) (map)
Must present valid photo ID. FREE but you must register here
Rare chance to see dozens of stunning New Deal-commissioned murals depicting the country’s postal heritage at the former headquarters for the U.S. Post Office Department, now home to the Environmental Protection Agency. We’ll also visit the Old Labor Dept./ICC building (also now EPA HQ), opened under the tenure of the department’s first female Labor Secretary, Frances Perkins, who had her office there from 1934 until 1945. During the tour you’ll learn more about the history of the Federal Triangle complex, including organized labor’s role in the construction of “one of the greatest building projects ever undertaken.” Led by Clark Spencer.
“Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and how it changed everything (30,000 women who marched before)”
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Mixed Media: Fiber, rug-hooking , weave stitching , etc.
By Susan L. Berger Part of "Threads: A Sampling of Fiber Art" at the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center Murray Arts Building; 10a-5p daily; Admission $5 (free for members); 13480 Dowell Road, Dowell, Maryland 20629 The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in Manhattan, New York City on March 25, 1911 was the deadliest industrial disaster in the history of the city, and one of the deadliest in US history. Susan Berger's deceptively powerful artwork packs an emotional punch in the softest of fabrics, drawing you in to the lives and deaths of 146 garment workers – 123 women and 23 men[1] – who died from the fire, smoke inhalation, or falling or jumping to their deaths. Most of the victims were recent Jewish and Italian immigrant women aged 16 to 23. Because the owners had locked the doors to the stairwells and exits – a then-common practice to prevent workers from taking unauthorized breaks and to reduce theft – many of the workers could not escape and jumped from the high windows. While at Annmarie, be sure to check out the sculpture garden, which includes "A Tribute to the Oyster Tonger, A Chesapeake Waterman" and features many pieces on loan from the Smithsonian, with which it is affiliated. |
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IBEW MUSEUM TOUR
Wed, May 11, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
IBEW, 900 Seventh street N.W. Washington, DC. (map)
FREE: RSVP HERE
A very special guided tour of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) museum. The IBEW museum presents an interactive history of the IBEW from its founding until today, tracing the fascinating development of the electrical industry over the last century through displays of equipment used by members going back to the 1890’s, including a collection of lightbulbs spanning more than a century. The tour will be led by IBEW Museum Curator Curtis Bateman.
IBEW, 900 Seventh street N.W. Washington, DC. (map)
FREE: RSVP HERE
A very special guided tour of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) museum. The IBEW museum presents an interactive history of the IBEW from its founding until today, tracing the fascinating development of the electrical industry over the last century through displays of equipment used by members going back to the 1890’s, including a collection of lightbulbs spanning more than a century. The tour will be led by IBEW Museum Curator Curtis Bateman.
BEN SHAHN WPA FRESCOS/MURALS
Thu, May 12, 12:00 pm – 2pm
VOA, 330 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20237 (Meet at C Street entrance; must present valid photo ID) (map)
FREE but must RSVP here. (Meet at C Street entrance; must present valid photo ID)
Nearest Metro: Federal Center SW Metro Station (Blue/Orange/Silver) Walk 2 block North
Artist Ben Shahn’s stunning frescos are as vibrant and meaningful today as when he created them in 1942. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see these amazing artworks up close. Originally created for the Social Security Administration’s headquarters, the massive multi-paneled fresco in the Wilbur J. Cohen building (which is now home to the VOA) is entitled “The Meaning of Social Security” and includes “Work, the Family, and Social Security” on the west wall, and “Child Labor, Unemployment, and Old Age” on the east wall. You’ll also get a chance to see a huge mural by Philip Guston, titled “Reconstruction and the Wellbeing of the Family,” in the auditorium at the Cohen building, which is not a part of the general public tour.
VOA, 330 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20237 (Meet at C Street entrance; must present valid photo ID) (map)
FREE but must RSVP here. (Meet at C Street entrance; must present valid photo ID)
Nearest Metro: Federal Center SW Metro Station (Blue/Orange/Silver) Walk 2 block North
Artist Ben Shahn’s stunning frescos are as vibrant and meaningful today as when he created them in 1942. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see these amazing artworks up close. Originally created for the Social Security Administration’s headquarters, the massive multi-paneled fresco in the Wilbur J. Cohen building (which is now home to the VOA) is entitled “The Meaning of Social Security” and includes “Work, the Family, and Social Security” on the west wall, and “Child Labor, Unemployment, and Old Age” on the east wall. You’ll also get a chance to see a huge mural by Philip Guston, titled “Reconstruction and the Wellbeing of the Family,” in the auditorium at the Cohen building, which is not a part of the general public tour.
DC LABOR HISTORY BIKE TOUR
Sat, May 14, 10:30am – 1:00pm
Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION!
$10 (benefits DC Jobs with Justice) Sign up here.
A rollicking ride by bike through DC’s history of working-class struggle, the tour will highlight sites and stories of resistance from the distant past to recent events, some memorialized in stone, others paved over and nearly forgotten. Tour pamphlets (complete with a route map) will be provided, as well as a commemorative spoke card for all participants.
Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION!
$10 (benefits DC Jobs with Justice) Sign up here.
A rollicking ride by bike through DC’s history of working-class struggle, the tour will highlight sites and stories of resistance from the distant past to recent events, some memorialized in stone, others paved over and nearly forgotten. Tour pamphlets (complete with a route map) will be provided, as well as a commemorative spoke card for all participants.
LABOR HISTORY WIKIPEDIA EDIT-A-THON
Sun, May 15, 1:30pm – 4:00pm
University of Maryland Hornbake Library, North; University of Maryland, Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740 (map)
FREE; RSVP here
Library Media Services, Room 0302H (Ground Floor)
Join a community interested in promoting labor history by editing the popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia. Part celebration and part workshop, Edit-a-Thons are organized around a single topic as a means to build awareness and community. We’ll draw content from labor-related collections at the University of Maryland, including the AFL-CIO Archives. No editing or technical experience necessary. All participants will receive complimentary issues of Labor’s Heritage journal.
University of Maryland Hornbake Library, North; University of Maryland, Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740 (map)
FREE; RSVP here
Library Media Services, Room 0302H (Ground Floor)
Join a community interested in promoting labor history by editing the popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia. Part celebration and part workshop, Edit-a-Thons are organized around a single topic as a means to build awareness and community. We’ll draw content from labor-related collections at the University of Maryland, including the AFL-CIO Archives. No editing or technical experience necessary. All participants will receive complimentary issues of Labor’s Heritage journal.
AFL-CIO ARCHIVE TOUR
Sun, May 15, 4pm – 5pm
University of Maryland Hornbake Library North, University of Maryland, Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740 (map)
FREE; RSVP here. Library Media Services, Room 0302H (Ground Floor)
Unique opportunity to view the George Meany Memorial AFL-CIO Archive, a prestigious archive originally at the National Labor College, recently moved to Special Collections in Labor History & Workplace Studies at the University of Maryland Libraries. These rich archives provide a look at the history of the labor struggle in the United States and internationally. See behind the scenes in the archive stacks: labor cartoons, buttons, pins, and memorabilia. (Follows the Labor History Edit-a-Thon)
University of Maryland Hornbake Library North, University of Maryland, Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740 (map)
FREE; RSVP here. Library Media Services, Room 0302H (Ground Floor)
Unique opportunity to view the George Meany Memorial AFL-CIO Archive, a prestigious archive originally at the National Labor College, recently moved to Special Collections in Labor History & Workplace Studies at the University of Maryland Libraries. These rich archives provide a look at the history of the labor struggle in the United States and internationally. See behind the scenes in the archive stacks: labor cartoons, buttons, pins, and memorabilia. (Follows the Labor History Edit-a-Thon)
IRON WORKERS HISTORY TOUR
Wed, May 18, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
1750 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA (map)
FREE but you must RSVP
Exclusive guided tour of the Iron Workers headquarters, featuring handmade motorcycles, a wall mural, historic tools, photos, convention paraphernalia, World Trade Center mementos and more!
1750 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA (map)
FREE but you must RSVP
Exclusive guided tour of the Iron Workers headquarters, featuring handmade motorcycles, a wall mural, historic tools, photos, convention paraphernalia, World Trade Center mementos and more!
THE HAYMARKET HANDBILLS
Thu, May 19, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, 10 First Street, SE Washington, DC 20540, Lessing J. Rosenwald Room, LJ-205 (map)
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL; NO TICKETS NECESSARY FOR ADMISSION!
130 years ago, workers exiting the factories and workshops of Chicago were handed two versions of a large, bilingual leaflet announcing a mass meeting that night in a popular city square. The purpose of the 1886 gathering was to denounce the shooting of four workmen the previous day at a rally for the eight-hour day. The shocking events that would transpire at the close of the meeting in Haymarket Square would reverberate throughout the world and grip the popular imagination of America for decades, resulting in the first “trial of the century,” the unjust execution of four anarchist labor organizers, and was the basis of the first May Day commemorations around the world. The two versions of the handbill are still shrouded in controversy and are considered by some to be the most important pieces of paper in American labor history. Join librarian and AFSCME local 2910 steward David Fernández-Barrial for a talk about the handbills and see the two remarkable 1886 originals from the Rare Book Reading Room of the Library of Congress
Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, 10 First Street, SE Washington, DC 20540, Lessing J. Rosenwald Room, LJ-205 (map)
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL; NO TICKETS NECESSARY FOR ADMISSION!
130 years ago, workers exiting the factories and workshops of Chicago were handed two versions of a large, bilingual leaflet announcing a mass meeting that night in a popular city square. The purpose of the 1886 gathering was to denounce the shooting of four workmen the previous day at a rally for the eight-hour day. The shocking events that would transpire at the close of the meeting in Haymarket Square would reverberate throughout the world and grip the popular imagination of America for decades, resulting in the first “trial of the century,” the unjust execution of four anarchist labor organizers, and was the basis of the first May Day commemorations around the world. The two versions of the handbill are still shrouded in controversy and are considered by some to be the most important pieces of paper in American labor history. Join librarian and AFSCME local 2910 steward David Fernández-Barrial for a talk about the handbills and see the two remarkable 1886 originals from the Rare Book Reading Room of the Library of Congress
DC LABOR HISTORY WALKING TOUR
Sat, May 21, 10am – 1pm
AFL-CIO, 815 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States (map)
$10 per person; benefits Employment Justice Center. Sign up here.
From the Labor Hall of Fame to Joe Hill’s ashes, worker’s history is around just about every corner in our nation’s capitol, if you know where to look. This 3-hour walking tour of downtown DC reveals labor’s often-untold story of protest and resistance. Metro Washington Council Union Cities Coordinator Chris Garlock - who usually helps local and national activists make history on DC’s streets - leads the tour. NOTE: it’s an easy 2.5-mile walk but wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Tour highlights: AFL-CIO lobby murals; 1953 CIO headquarters; The Real Roosevelt Memorial; Joe Hill’s ashes; Bas relief depictions of labor & trade; 1895 Knights of Labor HQ; Bonus Expeditionary Force & more.
AFL-CIO, 815 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States (map)
$10 per person; benefits Employment Justice Center. Sign up here.
From the Labor Hall of Fame to Joe Hill’s ashes, worker’s history is around just about every corner in our nation’s capitol, if you know where to look. This 3-hour walking tour of downtown DC reveals labor’s often-untold story of protest and resistance. Metro Washington Council Union Cities Coordinator Chris Garlock - who usually helps local and national activists make history on DC’s streets - leads the tour. NOTE: it’s an easy 2.5-mile walk but wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Tour highlights: AFL-CIO lobby murals; 1953 CIO headquarters; The Real Roosevelt Memorial; Joe Hill’s ashes; Bas relief depictions of labor & trade; 1895 Knights of Labor HQ; Bonus Expeditionary Force & more.
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