Tasha Klusmann Expands D.C. Roller Skating Archive

A new grant allows the historian to document the region's rich legacy of roller skating for the People's Archive.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in African-American

Gouache-painted illustration of vintage roller skates on a wooden floor, evoking the historical preservation of D.C. skating culture. — Historian Tasha Klusmann has received a grant to document Washington, D.C.'s historic roller skating scene for the People's Archive. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Tasha Klusmann is expanding her research on the history of roller skating in Washington, D.C., with the support of a new grant. Her project aims to preserve the cultural and artistic footprint of skating within the city for the People's Archive.

Why it matters

The grant supports the preservation of roller skating as a distinct art form. It ensures that the historical contributions of local skaters are maintained for future generations to study and appreciate.

The National African American Roller Skating Archives, co-founded by Tasha Klusmann in 2004, serves as the primary repository for this history. The research efforts are anchored by the 50th anniversary of skating at Anacostia Park.

The players

Tasha Klusmann

She is a historian and co-founder of the National African American Roller Skating Archives who specializes in the preservation of skating culture.

Howard University

This historically Black university in Washington, D.C., served as the site for the founding of the National African American Roller Skating Archives.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

This Washington, D.C. library houses the People's Archive, which preserves the city's local history and cultural records.

The details

Klusmann will document the regional skating footprint through the People's Archive, located at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The initiative coincides with an increased focus on the history of the sport during National Roller Skating Month.

Klusmann co-founded the National African American Roller Skating Archives in 2004.
October 2026 marks National Roller Skating Month.

Culture Shift

This project follows the momentum generated by the 50th anniversary of roller skating at Anacostia Park. It formalizes the cultural legacy celebrated during that anniversary event into an accessible institutional archive for the public.

Residents can access the growing collection of skating history through the People's Archive at the library. The research provides the community with a deeper understanding of the local skating traditions that have persisted for half a century.

The takeaway

Preserving community archives ensures that local art forms remain a permanent part of the city's cultural identity. Residents can contribute to this history by sharing their own stories and artifacts with the People's Archive.