Washington Housing Association Records
Scope and Contents
The records primarily contain monthly reports and newsletters of the Washington Housing Association (WHA) from 1953 through 1961. Also included are reports and studies prepared or published by WHA ; and testimony and statements submitted to Congress by WHA members on housing issues.
Dates
- Creation: 1953-1961
Creator
- Washington Housing Association (Organization)
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions to accessing this collection.
Conditions Governing Use
DC Public Library holds copyright to this collection. Noncommerical use is permitted. Please contact peoples.archive@dc.gov with questions.
Biographical / Historical
The Washington Housing Association (WHA) was organized in 1933 as the Washington Committee on Housing to improve housing for low-income residents in the District. WHA sponsored the Alley Dwelling Elimination Act of July 1934. Charlotte Everett Hopkins, a long-time crusader for the passage of the Act, was instrumental in the formation of WHA. Eleanor Roosevelt served as WHA’s honorary chairman; Frederic A. Delano was the first chairman; and John Ihlder, a nationally recognized housing activist, was the first secretary. WHA fought for a sound housing code, to insure construction of low-rent housing, and encourage landlord responsibility to tenants. WHA became the Washington Planning and Housing Association in 1962 and later the Metropolitan Washington Planning and Housing Association. In the 1960s the Association assisted residents dislocated by urban renewal, freeway construction, and downtown development find affordable housing.
Extent
3 Boxes
2 Linear feet
Arrangement
The collection was processed without series.
Custodial History
The records of the Washington Housing Association (WHA) were donated to the D.C. Public Library by Anna S. Miller, a former Executive Director of the WHA.
Processing Information
Basic archival procedures were used at the time of processing.
- Title
- Washington Housing Association
- Subtitle
- An inventory of Washington Housing Association at DC Public Library
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by DC Public Library.
- Date
- 2001-02
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the The People's Archive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library Repository