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Eliot-Hine Middle School

In 2019, Eliot-Hine Middle School was undergoing a modernization renovation. A group of students in grades 6 – 8 began their “school story” research in a temporary space as they waited for their building to be finished. Led by Ms. Kelley Guèye and Ms. Patricia Harris, our students participated in neighborhood history walks, visited The National Museum of African American History and Culture, created interview questions for long-time residents and alumni, and examined historic documents and photographs.

With the onset of COVID-19 and the closure of DC Public School buildings, our project quickly switched to virtual setting. With the support of the Eliot-Hine community, we continued to work closely with alumni and the modernization committee to bring their exhibit to fruition.

Completed in August 2021, 100 Years of Our School’s History is installed in the school’s Community Lobby and includes a wall-sized timeline with multiple overlaying photo, text, and quote plaques. The exhibit tells the story of two separate school communities, and how they merged to become one. The Eliot and Hine stories are deeply rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, and the exhibit showcases personal stories of families who fought segregation and worked towards a better education system.