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Alleyways in Washington, DC, have always been a fundamental part of the city's life and economy. Deliberately hidden from public view by the capital's early planners, DC's alleys were created to provide access to stables, carriage houses, and other utility buildings. But as the city grew and property values rose, the nature of some alleys and their buildings changed, resulting in a parallel world of residential, manufacturing, and artistic spaces. Kim Prothro Williams reveals this world in a fascinating and richly illustrated history.

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the city's inhabited alleys were often unsanitary spaces that were home to its poorest residents. These conditions spurred Progressive Era campaigns to demolish alley dwellings, which in turn led to the displacement of minority and disadvantaged communities. Today, many remaining alleyways, with their intimately scaled buildings, have been transformed into vibrant commercial and residential spaces. Yet this new wave of development raises questions about how spaces that were once reserved for the city's poorest residents now cater to the wealthy.
Kim Prothro Williams is an architectural historian with expertise in our region’s historic places. She is the National Register Coordinator at the WDC Historic Preservation office and has written numerous articles and 3 books on this topic. Join us to hear Williams colorfully explain why she is passionate about what we can learn from our history via an exploration of historic landmarks.