Exhibition

Sign of Hope: The Story of Central Union Mission is a fascinating exhibition that celebrates the Mission's 125th anniversary of serving the poor and homeless in Washington, DC.

Central Union Mission is the oldest social service agency in the District of Columbia. It was founded in 1884 by the Reverend Latham Douglass, a young man filled with compassion for the thousands of homeless, neglected men who wandered Pennsylvania Avenue, many of whom were Civil War veterans.

For the past 125 years, the Mission has continuously operated an emergency shelter for homeless men and been a place for spiritual uplift and recovery. It has survived the Great Depression, two world wars, 24 presidential administrations, neighborhood transitions, and numerous relocations.

Today, Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with four locations throughout the Washington area. It operates an 18-month rehabilitation program for men with life-controlling issues, a free meals program, a clothing and furniture distribution center, and a 220-acre retreat center with a camp for underprivileged children and recreation facilities for the community.

The exhibition project is a collection of fascinating historical artifacts excavated from the past 125 years.

Visit Sign of Hope: The Story of Central Union Mission at the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.

On display through Sunday, February 28, 2010

801 K Street NW,
Washington, DC 20001
Open 7 Days a week, 10am - 5pm
www.historydc.org