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Brian Furness papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS2149

Collection Scope and Content

This collection contains correspondence, minutes, reports, legal documents, financial documents, newsletters, clippings, promotional materials, photographs, and other materials. The material dates from 1966-2005, and was created and collected by Brian Furness in connection with his work as a community leader in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The papers reflect Furness' involvement with a number of civic organizations, most notably the Capitol Hill Restoration Society. The Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) is the largest civic association on Capitol Hill. Its mission is to protect the residential character of the area and to support Eastern Market and other business districts. Eastern Market was built in 1873 and remains the last nineteenth century market in continuous operation in Washington, D.C.

The papers largely document Furness' work in support of zoning regulations to preserve the architectural integrity and residential character of the neighborhood through his involvement with CHRS, Eastern Market Community Action Committee, Bryan School Neighborhood Association and other groups. The papers deal with community efforts to ensure that new residential development was compatible with existing structures and neighborhood uses. Three series in particular, Boys Town, Bryan School, and Kentucky Courts, deal specifically with housing issues. Other issues addressed in the collection include business development, traffic control, crime, and historic preservation.

Dates

  • 1966-2005

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research.

Restrictions on Use

Regarding Series 1 through 7, no duplication or publishing is allowed. State department documents and Furness personal documents are on the reverse of collection documents.

Historical or Biographical Note

Brian R. Furness was a long-time resident of and community activist for the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Most notably, Furness was a member of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) from 1972 until his relocation to New Orleans, Louisiana in 2005. He served CHRS in various roles, including as its President (1998-2001), First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Secretary. Furness served as Chair of several CHRS committees, including the Community Development Committee. He was also CHRS's representative to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC), and served as Chair of EMCAC's Management and Operations Subcommittee. He was President of the Bryan School Neighborhood Association.

Furness worked for the Foreign Service Reserve Corps of the U.S. State Department from 1966-89, spending much of that period abroad in Brazil, Italy, and Venezuela. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis, and did additional work in Economics at the Foreign Service Institute and The George Washington University.

Extent

13.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Collection contains correspondence, minutes, reports, legal documents, financial documents, newsletters, clippings, promotional materials, photographs, and other materials. The material dates from 1966-2005, and was created and collected by Brian Furness in connection with his work as a community leader in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The papers reflect Furness' involvement with a number of civic organizations, most notably the Capitol Hill Restoration Society.

Collection Organization

Organized into seven series: Capitol Hill Restoration Society, Eastern Market, Boys Town, Bryan School, Station Place, Kentucky Courts, Other issues in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Acquisition Information

The collection was donated by Brian Furness in 2005.

Title
Guide to the Brian Furness papers, 1966-2005
Status
Completed
Author
Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
Date
2006
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository

Contact:
2130 H Street NW
Washington 20052 United States of America