DC Alley Archives is a five-part podcast series from the DC History Center exploring the hidden histories of Washington, DC’s historic alleyways. Hosted by author and journalist Briana Thomas, the series uncovers how these narrow passageways once served as vibrant centers of Black life, community, labor, and culture dating back to the Civil War era.
Through conversations with historians, community activists, artists, policymakers, and residents, DC Alley Archives examines the rise and displacement of alley communities, and the modern transformation of these spaces into trendy destinations shaped by gentrification.
From hidden history to fair housing, this series asks: What do DC’s alleyways reveal about the city’s past—and its future?
Learn more at dchistory.org
This episode closes the DC Alley Archives series with conversations featuring neighborhood commissioner Steven McCarty, restaurant owner Chad Spangler, filmmaker Todd Clark, and researcher Dr. David Salter. They explore the alleyways’ layered history, present-day challenges—like trash, zoning, and rising housing costs—and the cultural role of alleys as community spaces.
Guests reflect on preservation, revitalization, and visions for inclusive development that protects both buildings and the people who make these alleys home.
Connect with Briana on Instagram @Brianaindc and take a guided history tour with her at blackbroadwaytravel.com .
Visit dchistory.org to learn more.
Ep. 5 – Washington boy gang in ”Cissel Street,” or ”Cecil Alley” located between 32nd [Wisconsin Ave.] and 33rd [Potomac St.] NW, ca. 1900-1905 (James Borchert Alley Life photograph collection, BO 020A)
26 May 2026
Thin Line: Revitalization vs. Gentrification in DC's Alleyways
Host Briana Thomas sits down with Gretchen Wharton and Dr. Lopez Matthews Jr. to explore the fine line between revitalization and gentrification in Washington, DC, focusing on historic alleyways, neighborhood change, and the role of archives and preservation.
The episode highlights personal histories from Shaw, efforts to name and preserve alley spaces, and practical ways residents can engage in planning to protect community heritage while fostering responsible growth.
Connect with Briana on Instagram @Brianaindc and take a guided history tour with her at blackbroadwaytravel.com .
Visit dchistory.org to learn more.
Ep. 4 – James Borchert Alley Life photograph collection, BO 031
26 May 2026
Where Did Everyone Go? Displacement, Race, and DC’s Alleyways
Host Briana Thomas speaks with Bryan Green (National Association of Realtors) and Dr. Bi’Anncha Andrews about the history and impact of alleyway communities in Washington, DC, exploring how real estate policy, redlining, racial covenants, and urban renewal drove displacement and shaped neighborhood change.
The episode highlights the loss of cultural value and generational wealth, the role of Black women in resistance and advocacy, and current challenges and policy ideas for building inclusive, equitable housing while preserving community networks.
Connect with Briana on Instagram @Brianaindc and take a guided history tour with her at blackbroadwaytravel.com .
Visit dchistory.org to learn more.
Ep. 3 – London Court (later Hopkins Court) alley dwelling, December 18, 1935 (General Photograph Collection, CHS 06842)
26 May 2026
Alley Life: Hidden Communities of Washington, DC
Host Briana Thomas interviews historian Jim Borchert about the rise of alley communities in Washington, DC, from the 1850s through post–Civil War migration, the harsh living and working conditions residents faced, and the ways they formed strong kinship and mutual-aid networks.
The episode also examines how reformers and officials viewed alleys, the role of education and religion, and lessons for city planners about understanding lived use of space and the need for equal opportunity to support resilient communities.
Connect with Briana on Instagram @Brianaindc and take a guided history tour with her at blackbroadwaytravel.com .
Buy Jim’s book here: https://bookshop.org/shop/dchistory
Visit dchistory.org to learn more.
Ep. 2 – James Borchert Alley Life photograph collection, BO 027
26 May 2026
Hidden Lives of DC’s Alleyways
Host Briana Thomas and guest Kim Williams uncover the layered history of Washington, DC’s alleyways — their architecture, everyday life, and the communities that flourished there.
The episode traces how alley dwellings developed, who lived and worked in them, the push for sanitation reform, and the eventual displacement and redevelopment that reshaped these hidden neighborhoods.
Connect with Briana on Instagram @Brianaindc and take a guided history tour with her at blackbroadwaytravel.com .
Buy Kim’s book here: https://bookshop.org/shop/dchistory
Visit dchistory.org to learn more.
Photograph credit: Ep. 1 – James Borchert Alley Life photograph collection, BO 029
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