Spring 2001

St. Elizabeth's Concert

On November 11, 2000, DCPL sponsored a benefit on the historic West Campus of St. Elizabeth’s. Founded in 1863, St. Elizabeth’s is on the National Register, but remarkably not the DC Inventory of Historic Sites. The benefit event, which provided the public a rare opportunity to visit the campus and its historic Hitchcock Hall, was an effort to focus public attention on the historic resources of St. Elizabeth’s and the institution's preservation needs. Mayor Anthony Williams, who addressed the audience, outlined his development plans for neighborhoods "East of the River" and stated that the preservation and development of St. Elizabeth’s would be a linchpin for these plans.

The event featured lectures on the hospital's history by noted St. Elizabeth’s historian and psychologist Kenneth Gorelick. The Georgetown Symphony Orchestra's String Section, led by Orchestra Director Vicky Gau, played selections of American music of the period, including selections by Scott Joplin and John Philip Sousa. A tour of the facility was conducted by Steve Fitzgerald, Wanda Bubriski, and Joe Ganno. Interested participants also had the opportunity to view the acclaimed film Asylum.

Particularly gratifying was the participation that afternoon by a number of senior citizens from the neighborhood adjoining the West Campus. Privately, they spoke fondly of the days when they and their families strolled the beautiful grounds of St. Elizabeth’s and enjoyed the magnificent views of the city below. These Ward 8 residents have now become DCPL members.

DCPL hopes to organize other events at St. Elizabeth’s in 2001. One day, it is hoped that citizens from the adjoining neighborhoods and the city at large will again enjoy the opportunity to stroll through the historic grounds and enjoy the magnificent views.