Gary Tischler

In the late 70s Gary Tischler arrived in DC from California as a young freelance writer.  He intention was to go to work for the “Washington Post” but he met Dave Roffman, second publisher of “The Georgetowner,” who encouraged him to write a story about Ted Kennedy’s campaign.  Some thousands of articles later, Gary Tischler hold the record as the longest-serving writer for that local paper.   He has written extensively about the transformation of cultural offerings in Washington over the past 50 years. In this interview he comments on the steady rise of offerings in music, the arts, and the development of experimental theater in the community as well as Georgetown’s numerous and varied musical venues.

Gary compares his life in this city and his job at the “Georgetowner” to having been invited to take his place at a large banquet table.  His enjoyment in his long career, the observations he makes about the “classy” people of Georgetown, his memories of street events and people involved, his appreciation for those who have encouraged and achieved excellence in their chosen fields are all part of the informative history Mr. Tischler shares with the oral history project.