Columbia Heights in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Charles R. Drew and Lenore Robbins Drew

3324 Sherman Avenue, NW, Apartment 1

— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —

Charles R. Drew and Lenore Robbins Drew Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 25, 2013

1. Charles R. Drew and Lenore Robbins Drew Marker

Inscription. Dr. Charles R. Drew (1904-1950), renowned for his blood plasma research, was associated with Howard University College of Medicine during most of his career. In 1941 Drew joined a national effort to set up a blood banking process but left because U.S. Government policy segregated blood by race of donor. Drew later died after an automobile accident in North Carolina. The story that he died because a white hospital refused to treat him is a myth, although this tragedy did befall others during the era of segregated health care. Drew and his family lived here in the 1940s.

Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.

Location. 38° 55.89′ N, 77° 1.605′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Columbia Heights. Marker is on Sherman Avenue Northwest south of Morton Street Northwest, on the right. 3324 Sherman Avenue Northwest is the right hand side of the duplex building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3324 Sherman Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20010, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Park Road Community Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nob Hill (about 600 feet away); A Changing Landscape (about 800 feet away); The Next Wave (approx. 0.2 miles away); Holmead Legacy (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Modern Shopper (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Treat Me Refined" (approx. ¼ mile away); Hobart Community Parks (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Also see . . . Patent For Preserving Blood Issued November 10, 1942. USPTO, Press Release, 01-52 (Submitted on May 27, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)

Additional keywords. Medicine

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 25, 2013

2. Charles R. Drew and Lenore Robbins Drew Marker

3322 and 3324 Sherman Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 25, 2013

3. 3322 and 3324 Sherman Avenue

3324 Sherman Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 25, 2013

4. 3324 Sherman Avenue

Charles R. Drew image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia

5. Charles R. Drew

Charles Richard Drew (June 3,1904 –April 1,1950) was an African-American physician, surgeon, and medical researcher. He researched in the field of blood transfusions, developing improved techniques for blood storage, and applied his expert knowledge to developing large-scale blood banks early in World War II. This allowed medics to save thousands of lives of the Allied forces. The research and development aspect of his blood storage work is disputed. As the most prominent African-American in the field, Drew protested against the practice of racial segregation in the donation of blood, as it lacked scientific foundation, an action which cost him his job. In 1943, Drew's distinction in his profession was recognized when he became the first black surgeon selected to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery. -- Wikipedia (accessed 5/27/2013)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 837 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 27, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.