Institute of Politics, Policy and History
@ipph.bsky.social
Rediscover, celebrate & promote the diverse History of our Nation's Capital.
Community leaders across D.C. joined us in celebrating Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III at the IPPH America 250 Executive Leadership Award ceremony on September 16.
📸: Antwon Maxwell Photography
📸: Antwon Maxwell Photography
September 24, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Community leaders across D.C. joined us in celebrating Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III at the IPPH America 250 Executive Leadership Award ceremony on September 16.
📸: Antwon Maxwell Photography
📸: Antwon Maxwell Photography
What do you really know about The District? 🔎
Stay tuned for our upcoming launch 👀🛒👾🌭🎮
Stay tuned for our upcoming launch 👀🛒👾🌭🎮
September 23, 2025 at 5:45 PM
What do you really know about The District? 🔎
Stay tuned for our upcoming launch 👀🛒👾🌭🎮
Stay tuned for our upcoming launch 👀🛒👾🌭🎮
📸 We’re honored to present the IPPH America 250 Executive Leadership Award to historian and educator Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
In 2019, Bunch became the first African-American to head the Smithsonian.
In 2019, Bunch became the first African-American to head the Smithsonian.
September 17, 2025 at 10:12 PM
📸 We’re honored to present the IPPH America 250 Executive Leadership Award to historian and educator Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
In 2019, Bunch became the first African-American to head the Smithsonian.
In 2019, Bunch became the first African-American to head the Smithsonian.
In this discussion, the late Rohulamin Quander (1943-2025) traces his family’s lineage as the oldest documented African-American family in the United States, with roots in Maryland and Virginia.
▶️ youtu.be/uPPqY1I--fs?...
▶️ youtu.be/uPPqY1I--fs?...
September 15, 2025 at 4:58 PM
In this discussion, the late Rohulamin Quander (1943-2025) traces his family’s lineage as the oldest documented African-American family in the United States, with roots in Maryland and Virginia.
▶️ youtu.be/uPPqY1I--fs?...
▶️ youtu.be/uPPqY1I--fs?...
Ro Quander was a distinguished judge, author and historian who dedicated his life to preserving his family’s storied legacy, dating back to 17th century Maryland and Virginia.
We were honored to support Quander’s work as an IPPH Resident Fellow, and send our condolences to his family at this time.
We were honored to support Quander’s work as an IPPH Resident Fellow, and send our condolences to his family at this time.
September 7, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Ro Quander was a distinguished judge, author and historian who dedicated his life to preserving his family’s storied legacy, dating back to 17th century Maryland and Virginia.
We were honored to support Quander’s work as an IPPH Resident Fellow, and send our condolences to his family at this time.
We were honored to support Quander’s work as an IPPH Resident Fellow, and send our condolences to his family at this time.
When there was a crime problem, this is what an authentic, respectful partnership looked like.
Pictured: Former D.C. mayor (and IPPH founding director) Sharon Pratt and President George H.W. Bush.
Pictured: Former D.C. mayor (and IPPH founding director) Sharon Pratt and President George H.W. Bush.
August 19, 2025 at 8:02 PM
When there was a crime problem, this is what an authentic, respectful partnership looked like.
Pictured: Former D.C. mayor (and IPPH founding director) Sharon Pratt and President George H.W. Bush.
Pictured: Former D.C. mayor (and IPPH founding director) Sharon Pratt and President George H.W. Bush.
Support the mission of IPPH – invest in history, shape the future.
Your donation helps us expand access to the untold stories of Washington D.C., and build a more perfect union.
➡️: ipph.org/donate.html
Your donation helps us expand access to the untold stories of Washington D.C., and build a more perfect union.
➡️: ipph.org/donate.html
August 15, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Support the mission of IPPH – invest in history, shape the future.
Your donation helps us expand access to the untold stories of Washington D.C., and build a more perfect union.
➡️: ipph.org/donate.html
Your donation helps us expand access to the untold stories of Washington D.C., and build a more perfect union.
➡️: ipph.org/donate.html
Did John Wilkes Booth live in his brother’s shadow? 👥
▶️ YouTube: Institute of Politics, Policy and History
▶️ YouTube: Institute of Politics, Policy and History
August 11, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Did John Wilkes Booth live in his brother’s shadow? 👥
▶️ YouTube: Institute of Politics, Policy and History
▶️ YouTube: Institute of Politics, Policy and History
#RediscoveringDC: The Kogod Courtyard at The National Portrait Gallery is a breathtaking spot to take in the District’s sun and skies 🌇
The space is open daily from 11:30 AM - 7 PM!
The space is open daily from 11:30 AM - 7 PM!
July 22, 2025 at 6:20 PM
#RediscoveringDC: The Kogod Courtyard at The National Portrait Gallery is a breathtaking spot to take in the District’s sun and skies 🌇
The space is open daily from 11:30 AM - 7 PM!
The space is open daily from 11:30 AM - 7 PM!
On July 16, 1790, President George Washington signed the Residence Act into law, stipulating that a location along the Potomac River be selected as the nation’s permanent capital.
July 16, 2025 at 10:36 PM
On July 16, 1790, President George Washington signed the Residence Act into law, stipulating that a location along the Potomac River be selected as the nation’s permanent capital.
Known as the Grandmother of #Juneteenth, Opal Lee is a retired teacher whose activism led to Juneteenth becoming a federally recognized holiday.
Lee and her supporters marched for 2.5 miles a day - symbolizing the 2.5 years after Emancipation it took for enslaved Texans to learn of their freedom.
Lee and her supporters marched for 2.5 miles a day - symbolizing the 2.5 years after Emancipation it took for enslaved Texans to learn of their freedom.
June 20, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Known as the Grandmother of #Juneteenth, Opal Lee is a retired teacher whose activism led to Juneteenth becoming a federally recognized holiday.
Lee and her supporters marched for 2.5 miles a day - symbolizing the 2.5 years after Emancipation it took for enslaved Texans to learn of their freedom.
Lee and her supporters marched for 2.5 miles a day - symbolizing the 2.5 years after Emancipation it took for enslaved Texans to learn of their freedom.
#RediscoveringDC: Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum was the first of its kind in the country to be federally funded.
☀️ Enjoy some indoor/outdoor summer fun this Saturday, in honor of Juneteenth!
☀️ Enjoy some indoor/outdoor summer fun this Saturday, in honor of Juneteenth!
June 18, 2025 at 12:32 AM
#RediscoveringDC: Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum was the first of its kind in the country to be federally funded.
☀️ Enjoy some indoor/outdoor summer fun this Saturday, in honor of Juneteenth!
☀️ Enjoy some indoor/outdoor summer fun this Saturday, in honor of Juneteenth!
▶️ Catch more Michael Steele at our YouTube: Institute of Politics, Policy and History
June 11, 2025 at 1:34 AM
▶️ Catch more Michael Steele at our YouTube: Institute of Politics, Policy and History
Also known as the “Resolution for Independence,” the Lee Resolution was the first formal declaration of the Thirteen Colonies being free and separated from the British Empire.
June 8, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Also known as the “Resolution for Independence,” the Lee Resolution was the first formal declaration of the Thirteen Colonies being free and separated from the British Empire.
When he was sworn in as lieutenant governor of Maryland, Michael Steele took over the former office of Thomas Jefferson - overlooking Kunta Kinte’s port of arrival in the United States.
June 8, 2025 at 1:20 AM
When he was sworn in as lieutenant governor of Maryland, Michael Steele took over the former office of Thomas Jefferson - overlooking Kunta Kinte’s port of arrival in the United States.
#OnThisDay in 1800, President John Adams arrived in D.C. for the first time, as Washington took Philadelphia’s place as the nation’s capital city.
June 4, 2025 at 2:33 AM
#OnThisDay in 1800, President John Adams arrived in D.C. for the first time, as Washington took Philadelphia’s place as the nation’s capital city.
#OnThisDay in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on the National Mall by chief justice of the United States William Howard Taft.
The monument has been the backdrop of many historically renowned speeches, including MLK Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” delivered during the March on Washington in 1963.
The monument has been the backdrop of many historically renowned speeches, including MLK Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” delivered during the March on Washington in 1963.
May 30, 2025 at 11:36 PM
#OnThisDay in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on the National Mall by chief justice of the United States William Howard Taft.
The monument has been the backdrop of many historically renowned speeches, including MLK Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” delivered during the March on Washington in 1963.
The monument has been the backdrop of many historically renowned speeches, including MLK Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” delivered during the March on Washington in 1963.
What pushed John Russworm to his breaking point?
Dr. Christopher Bonner chats with Mayor Sharon Pratt about the legacy of America’s first Black newspaper 📰
Dr. Christopher Bonner chats with Mayor Sharon Pratt about the legacy of America’s first Black newspaper 📰
May 28, 2025 at 12:20 PM
What pushed John Russworm to his breaking point?
Dr. Christopher Bonner chats with Mayor Sharon Pratt about the legacy of America’s first Black newspaper 📰
Dr. Christopher Bonner chats with Mayor Sharon Pratt about the legacy of America’s first Black newspaper 📰
The nation’s capital is a coveted backdrop for stories about heroes fighting for a greater good. Check out these films shot and referenced in Washington D.C!
Did you catch any new movies this #MemorialDay weekend?
Did you catch any new movies this #MemorialDay weekend?
May 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
The nation’s capital is a coveted backdrop for stories about heroes fighting for a greater good. Check out these films shot and referenced in Washington D.C!
Did you catch any new movies this #MemorialDay weekend?
Did you catch any new movies this #MemorialDay weekend?
#OnThisDay in 1844: American artist and inventor Samuel Morse sent the first commerical telegraph message from the U.S. Capitol to B&O Railroad in Baltimore, MD.
The question “What Hath God Wrought?” was pulled from the Bible verse Numbers 23:23.
The question “What Hath God Wrought?” was pulled from the Bible verse Numbers 23:23.
May 24, 2025 at 11:49 PM
#OnThisDay in 1844: American artist and inventor Samuel Morse sent the first commerical telegraph message from the U.S. Capitol to B&O Railroad in Baltimore, MD.
The question “What Hath God Wrought?” was pulled from the Bible verse Numbers 23:23.
The question “What Hath God Wrought?” was pulled from the Bible verse Numbers 23:23.
The story of Ben’s Chili Bowl embodies the culture of the nation’s capital - grit, persistence and legacy.
Pictured (L-R): Vida Ali, Virginia Ali, co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, and Mayor Sharon Pratt.
Pictured (L-R): Vida Ali, Virginia Ali, co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, and Mayor Sharon Pratt.
May 21, 2025 at 3:56 PM
The story of Ben’s Chili Bowl embodies the culture of the nation’s capital - grit, persistence and legacy.
Pictured (L-R): Vida Ali, Virginia Ali, co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, and Mayor Sharon Pratt.
Pictured (L-R): Vida Ali, Virginia Ali, co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, and Mayor Sharon Pratt.
Former D.C. mayor Sharon Pratt celebrated the USS District of Columbia - the lead boat of the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, and their first vessel to be named for the nation’s capital.
(L-R) Councilman Jack Evans, Mayor Sharon Pratt, @nationals senior VP Gregory McCarthy.
(L-R) Councilman Jack Evans, Mayor Sharon Pratt, @nationals senior VP Gregory McCarthy.
May 20, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Former D.C. mayor Sharon Pratt celebrated the USS District of Columbia - the lead boat of the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, and their first vessel to be named for the nation’s capital.
(L-R) Councilman Jack Evans, Mayor Sharon Pratt, @nationals senior VP Gregory McCarthy.
(L-R) Councilman Jack Evans, Mayor Sharon Pratt, @nationals senior VP Gregory McCarthy.
#OnThisDay in 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the “separate but equal” doctrine as unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education.
The NAACP’s defense was led by Thurgood Marshall - Baltimore native, Howard Law alum, and America’s first African-American Supreme Court justice.
The NAACP’s defense was led by Thurgood Marshall - Baltimore native, Howard Law alum, and America’s first African-American Supreme Court justice.
May 17, 2025 at 11:56 PM
#OnThisDay in 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the “separate but equal” doctrine as unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education.
The NAACP’s defense was led by Thurgood Marshall - Baltimore native, Howard Law alum, and America’s first African-American Supreme Court justice.
The NAACP’s defense was led by Thurgood Marshall - Baltimore native, Howard Law alum, and America’s first African-American Supreme Court justice.
Frederick Douglass was fashionable with a purpose.
Author and professor Dr. Christopher Bonner discuss the impact of his self expression on American society.
Author and professor Dr. Christopher Bonner discuss the impact of his self expression on American society.
May 16, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Frederick Douglass was fashionable with a purpose.
Author and professor Dr. Christopher Bonner discuss the impact of his self expression on American society.
Author and professor Dr. Christopher Bonner discuss the impact of his self expression on American society.
IPPH board member Michael Steele reflects on his up close reckoning with America’s history.
Does America suffer from historical amnesia?
Does America suffer from historical amnesia?
May 14, 2025 at 3:23 PM
IPPH board member Michael Steele reflects on his up close reckoning with America’s history.
Does America suffer from historical amnesia?
Does America suffer from historical amnesia?