Meridian Hill Park
Dublin Core
Title
Meridian Hill Park
Description
Meridian Hill Park opened in 1936 and during the New Deal era it became a popular gathering area for a series of concerts organized by the government. The park is also unofficially known as the "Malcom X Park."
Creator
Hibba Khan
Source
https://livingnewdeal.org/map/
Date
1936
Rights
Creative Commons, https://livingnewdeal.org/map/
Type
Photograph and video
Place-Based Stories Item Type Metadata
Date
October 14, 2019
Format
Photograph and video
Narrative
There is a plaque in the park that says since the park is “the site of the memorial to President Buchanan, Meridian Hill cannot officially be named for another person.” Regardless, Meridian Hill Park is commonly known as the Malcom X park, especially by the local community. The park signifies how the values originally attributed to landmarks and other tangible concepts can change over time.
This park is significant to the 1930s because after the park was opened in 1936, the government created a collection of concerts offered for free at the park. The open accessibility for the community to be able to gather and listen to popular music was an attempt at mending and elevating the nation’s spirits.
An iPhone camera was used to document the site. Photography has remained a constant in documentary styles from then and now. Although, modern technology has allowed for more creative methods of documentation that help increase the divergence from the traditional discourse on what makes a source legitimate.
This park is significant to the 1930s because after the park was opened in 1936, the government created a collection of concerts offered for free at the park. The open accessibility for the community to be able to gather and listen to popular music was an attempt at mending and elevating the nation’s spirits.
An iPhone camera was used to document the site. Photography has remained a constant in documentary styles from then and now. Although, modern technology has allowed for more creative methods of documentation that help increase the divergence from the traditional discourse on what makes a source legitimate.
Collection
Citation
Hibba Khan, “Meridian Hill Park,” HIST 390 The Digital Past: A Cultural New Deal, accessed September 18, 2026, https://jessicadoeshistory.com/cnd/items/show/207.