City of Knowledge: Science, Power, and Place

How did Washington, D.C. become a center of scientific thought, innovation, and influence? From the founding dreams of George Washington to the rise of the Smithsonian and other federal science institutions, City of Knowledge, a 4-part public program series, explores the rich and complex history of science across space and time.

The first program, held at the American Institute of Physics on February 26, explored the history of the physical sciences—from mid nineteenth-century weather observers at the Smithsonian to the Space Race during the Cold War. The second one, held at the MLK Library on March 31, turned to the life sciences. The third program, April 16 at the DC History Center, will focus more precisely on urban history — how has science shaped our built environments, and how has it contributed to, or hindered, the creation of a just and livable city?

The program panel, moderated by Joshua Levy, Historian of Science and Technology in the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress, includes:

• Paula Austin, Associate Professor, History and African American & Black Diaspora Studies, Boston University
• Christopher Klemek, Associate Professor, History, George Washington University
• Stuart W. Leslie, Emeritus Professor, History of Science and Technology, Johns Hopkins University

This is a conversation designed to spark dialogue among panelists and with the audience and will include a Q&A as part of the program.

(Please note the DC History Center is located in the Carnegie Library in the heart of the Mount Vernon Triangle near all Metro lines. Accessible entrances are located on the K street side. The DC History Center is on the second floor, and the program will be held in the West Gallery room.) 

This project received funding from the Smithsonian’s "Our Shared Future: 250," a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years.