James Mayo

Background

James Mayo was born and raised in Washington, District of Columbia

Education

After he graduated from Cardozo High School, he joined the workforce, starting his career, in 1959, at the National Museum of American History.

Career

He held this role at the Anacostia Community Museum, where he also was co-director He would marry, which would end in divorce. Upon joining the National Museum of American History, Mayo took on the role of exhibitions production supervisor.

He would go on to also design exhibitions for Dumbarton Oaks and the City University of New New York

He also ran the renovation of the Benjamin Brown French School and was chairman of the board at the Market 5 Gallery, both in Washington, District of Columbia He co-founded the Erika Thimey Dance and Theater Company.

He retired in September, 1994, as director emeritus. His exhibition style was described as "elegant" in The Art Museum as Educator. Mayo died on July 13, 1995, at George Washington University Hospital of lung cancer.

A scholarship named in his honor is awarded by the Erika Thimey Dance and Theater Company.

Achievements

• While at the Anacostia Community Museum, he worked on exhibitions such as Blacks in the Westward Movement and Black Women: Achievement Against the Odds, alongside Louise Daniel Hutchinson.