Reclaiming the Edge: Urban Waterways and Civic Engagement October 8, 2012

'Reclaiming the Edge' explores various issues surrounding urban waterways and community involvement. It looks at densely populated watersheds, such as the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., and at rivers as barriers to racial and ethnic integregation. It examines waterfront development and human attempts to tame, clean, or engineer urban rivers, as well as highlights the immense cultural inspiration rivers have been to visual artists. Based on nearly two years of research by the museum on the history, public use, and attitudes toward the Anacostia River and collaborative investigation of urban waterway development in cities - including Los Angeles, Chicago, Pittsburg, London, and Shanghai - around the world, this interactive exhibition reinforces a sense of citizens' ownership and responsibility for urban waterways.