WASHINGTON — On Monday, the Cuban Embassy reopened at 2603 16th Street NW in Washington’s Columbia Heights neighborhood after closing in January 1961. Here are some sights and sounds from the scene, where reporters waited for sources at the front gate, broadcasters camped out on the risers across the street and people paid witness to a historic moment in American diplomatic history.

VOICES FROM THE SCENE

Nalda Vigezzi

Nalda Vigezzi stands outside of the Cuban Embassy in Washington on July 20, 2015. (Jennifer-Leigh Oprihory/MEDILL NSJI)

Nalda Vigezzi was invited to the embassy’s opening because of her decades-long experience working as part of the Cuban solidarity movement.

Oswald Cameron

Oswald Cameron holds up a Puerto Rican flag outside of the Cuban Embassy in Washington on July 20, 2015. (Jennifer-Leigh Oprihory/MEDILL NSJI)

Oswald Cameron came out to the embassy in support of its reopening.