The 1960s and early 1970s saw widespread upheaval in America. Major movements against the war in Vietnam and for civil rights, women’s rights and gay and lesbian rights produced significant changes and laid the groundwork for later gains.

Washington, DC, as the nation’s capital, is remembered by millions of participants in these movements primarily as the heart of national protest efforts during that time. But during the 60s and 70s there was also a vibrant and diverse local movement for political, cultural and social change in and around the nation’s capital. A comprehensive history of Washington, DC area activism for peace and social justice in the 60s has not yet been told.

The “Occupy Wall Street” actions of 2011-12 struck a chord with many Americans who participated in earlier social movements, once more raising the question of which earlier lessons learned should be passed on to new generations of activists.

We do not presume to provide solutions to today's challenges, but we believe that there are many lessons, both inspirational and practical, that can give hope to those who are today continuing the struggles to build a better world.

We are building a website and archive dedicated to the efforts, achievements and impact of activists in the Washington, D.C. area during those years, with the intention of making this a primary resource for future activists and historians. Please join us.