Lantern Walk
The lantern walk was inspired by the story of African American families who built their home in historic neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River in Washington D.C. by candlelight after returning home from a long day’s work. In the mid 1860’s, Barry Farm and Hillsdale were developing communities with pioneering inhabitants.
As a tribute to D.C. history, a series of lantern making workshops were held on both sides of the river. Participants learned about the area’s history while collaging historic photographs of the neighborhood, landmarks, and prominent residents from archived documents.
To symbolize the journey, the homemade lanterns traveled to the 11th Street bridge on September 17, 2017 where over 300 people walked across the Anacostia River by lantern-light. The celebration, co-hosted by the Eleventh Street Bridge Park and Washington Performing Arts, united residents from across the river with music, food, and flickering light.
