The DC History Center is an educational nonprofit that deepens understanding of our city's past to connect, empower, and inspire.
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Celebrating 125 years of telling DC stories.
Customers place their orders at a Hechinger hardware store, ca. 1940.
Recognize this interior? We'll award a gold star to anyone who can identify which Hechinger store was captured in this photo! ⭐
📷: General photograph collection, CHS 12658.08. This image comes from the Hechinger Company records manuscript collection.
We’re hiring!
The DC History Center is seeking to fill its full-time Librarian position, as well as two newly created part-time positions: Library Assistant and Visitor Services/Retail Associate.
Our small but mighty team works year-round to bring local Washington, DC history to life through field trips, educational programs, exhibits, and our research library. We are committed to being a welcoming and inclusive workplace that prioritizes justice and equity in everything we do.
We invite you to join this passionate and dedicated group! Link in bio.
When it comes to baking, don't be afraid to take whisks–especially on !
‘Tis the season for batch biscuits, crumbly confections, and gourmet galletas. What is your favorite cookie to make at the holidays?
📷 Richard England, chairman of the Hechinger Company, takes a frosted “H” cookie at the opening of the new Hechinger Company Hardware Store at 835 Bladensburg Road NE, 1968 (Hechinger Company records, CHS 12660.25)
EDIT: We're back!
impacted DC History Center's instagram page. We are working to get this platform back, but please check Facebook, Twitter, or our website for information until the issue is resolved.
👻 Happy Halloween! Do you have your costume yet?
In 1929, popular department store Woodward & Lothrop presented their colorful wares to celebrate the spooky season. Also known as “Woodies,” the store formerly headquartered in DC is now a ghost themselves. In 1994, the chain filed for bankruptcy before the company’s complete liquidation by 1995.
Today, you can still see the ghost of Woodies at 11th Street NW between G and F Streets; the flagship building still remains a DC historic site.
📷 Advertisement of the Woodward & Lothrop Department Store, October 1929. General photograph collection, CHS 15366.
📣 Stop the presses! The latest edition of Washington History magazine is here!
Its stories spotlight relationships rooted in DC’s history, like historian Jane F. Levey’s interviews with artist Clarice Smith. Their conversations—and a trove of Clarice’s family photos—paint an intimate portrait of a young Jewish girl growing up in 1930s Southwest.
Want to read more? You can find the magazine for sale at the DC History Center Store, a digital version on JSTOR, or join as a DC History member to never miss an issue!
Get your copy today!
👉 https://bit.ly/WashingtonHistoryF22
📷 Grocer Shea Chasen holds his daughter Clarice in front of his store at 331 H Street SW, 1934. Clarice Smith Collection, DC History Center.
The DC History Center has established the Latino/a/x Advisory Group to address the absence of Latinx stories and histories in formal memory-keeping institutions in Washington, DC.
The group is seeking two more members to join and serve a one-year term. Members of the Latino/a/x Advisory Group will be provided with a stipend for their participation and collaboration in the group's activities. Members will be on-boarded between October-December 2022.
Please fill out the application below and we'll be in touch!
👉 https://bit.ly/3eLMu3D
📷 Latino/a/x Advisory Group member Jose Gutierrez presents on June 22, 2022 during Movements + Moments, a conversation series centering Latinx LGBTQ+ experiences, influences, and roles in DC history. Photo by Sajel Swartz.
🙌 We’re OPEN!
On October 15, from 10 am to 4 pm, get to know Mount Vernon Square and Downtown by spending the day with us! During this special community event, come see our mission in action and enjoy:
🔍 Browsing the Kiplinger Research Library and its DC history collections
📖 Reading together during Family Storytime
🏳️🌈 Learning about the Rainbow History Project's oral history work
🚶♂️Joining a walking tour of Chinatown with the and Mount Vernon Square with
🛍 Shopping our store
💃 Dancing on the lawn with
And more!
Registration will be available onsite, but sign up by October 14 for a chance to win the Open Day raffle! A full schedule of events will be available soon.
👉 https://bit.ly/3fSxwZx
Attention visitors! Our exhibits and store are closed today through Saturday (9/24) due to a COVID exposure. Thank you for understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience.
🍻 Prost!
The historic Chr. Heurich Brewing Co.’s was popularized in the 1890’s, survived Prohibition, and was produced until 1956 when the Chr. Heurich Brewing Co. closed. It was thought that Senate's unique formula was lost to history until historian Pete Jones found a recipe for the classic corn lager at the while researching Korean War tin rations. With this recipe, the beer we know and love was revived by DC’s RIGHT PROPER BREWING COMPANY]!
On October 1, from 1-3 pm, join and HEURICH HOUSE MUSEUM]] at to learn from its creators about what makes Senate Beer a unique public history project, community collaboration, and piece of DC history. We’ll hear from Kimberly Bender, CEO & Museum Director of HEURICH HOUSE MUSEUM]], and Thor Cheston, Co-founder of RIGHT PROPER BREWING COMPANY] as we raise a glass to history.
Tickets are limited, so register today! This is a 21+ event. Cost of admission includes one Senate Beer.
👉 https://bit.ly/3BxlcVL
📷 Courtesy, HEURICH HOUSE MUSEUM]]
In memory: Ann Kessler, a longtime chronicler of the people and places of old Forest Hills | Forest Hills Connection || News and Life in Our DC Neighborhood
In memory: Ann Kessler, a longtime chronicler of the people and places of old Forest Hills September 12, 2022 by FHC 4 Comments It was always a delight to be notified of an email from Ann Kessler, who died on August 19th after a long battle with leukemia. It meant that that this dogged and creative....
🔍 Searching for some family fun this weekend?
On Saturday, September 10 from 10 am to 12 pm, join the DC History Center for the first-ever Family Workshop!
During this open-house style program, families will use their detective skills to solve the case of the missing research project! Education staff members will be on hand to assist as you explore key themes in local history by following clues, deciphering codes, and reading maps. Prizes will be awarded upon solving the case!
The suggested age range for this program is 7-11 years old, though all ages are welcome. Children must have an adult present to participate.
Space is limited; registration is required.
👉 https://bit.ly/3ASkt1l
📷 Students from Oneness-Family Montessori School interact with primary sources during a class visit to the DC History Center.
🚶♀️Walking tours aren’t only for tourists! See DC through new eyes on a two-hour walking tour with the DC History Center and .
Since its founding, DC’s markets and restaurants shaped the city’s landscape, defining neighborhoods, introducing immigrant cultures to the region, and feeding an ever-changing, always-hungry citizenry.
Join us for a morning stroll through DC’s Penn Quarter and Chinatown neighborhoods!
👉 https://bit.ly/3TBuRms
📷 Commercial buildings on the north side of the 600 block of H Street NW, including the China Doll Restaurant and the Da Hua Market in Chinatown, ca. 1990. Wei Li Fang, CHN 079.
🛠 recognizes the numerous contributions of American workers throughout its history. Some of these achievements can be found in DC’s own built environment, or captured in the Martha Tabor Photograph Collection (SP 0090).
Martha Tabor (1939-2004) was an activist, union organizer, educator, photographer and artist based in the DMV. As a laborer in the 1960s and 1970s, Tabor captured her fellow workers on film, commenting on the experiences and working conditions of blue and white collar workers, women, midwives, and DC municipal employees, such as Lillian Lightbourne photographed here.
📷 Lillian Lightbourne, a welder and member of Ironworkers’ Local #201, working in a metal fabrication shop in DC, ca. 1979. Martha Tabor Photograph Collection, SP 0090.
Ladies and Gentlemen! May we have your attention please! Oh, we had such fun when veteran announcer Charlie Brotman stopped by our ongoing exhibit: THE BIG PICTURE. With an assist from interviewer Michael Akin, Charlie recorded memories of his extensive career. Charlie announced Senators games (1956-1971) and Presidential inaugurations: Truman, Eisenhower's second, through President Obama, and then returning for President Biden!
Before there was Nats Park, home of the Washington Nationals, there was Griffith Stadium. Prior to demolition in 1965, Charlie was given a special souvenir—the presidential box seats. Since the opening of THE BIG PICTURE, the Griffith Stadium presidential box seats have been on display in the exhibit. But they're returning home with Charlie soon. Stop by through Sunday September 25 for your last chance to see the seats! Thank you!
In recognizing the one and only Charlie Brotman, we also want to thank his daughter Debbie Doxzon, Michael Akin and Jamal Holtz of LINK Strategic Partners, videographer Cintia Cabib, and TBP curator Jane Levey.
🍎 ✏️ Happy First Day of School, !
DC led the nation in creating better educational opportunities for Black students. From the 1880s to 1940s, DC boasted the best public education system for Black children in the nation. In response to limited resources and overwhelming systemic racism, the city’s Black community effectively advocated for their children’s right to a quality education and resources.
You’ve probably heard of Brown v. Board of Education, but do you know about Bolling v. Sharpe? In 1950, DC-based civil rights activist Gardner Bishop organized parents to enroll 11 Black children in the city’s newly constructed, all-White John Philip Sousa Junior High School in Anacostia. Their direct action ultimately resulted in the prohibition of segregated public schools in DC in 1954—one year prior to Brown v. Board of Education.
📷 Newly constructed Sousa Junior High in 1950.
Courtesy, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
Local and national communities mix in DC when protesters travel to governmental sites to demand change. On , let’s look back at how previous demonstrations for equal protection under the law combine local and national actors.
Here, activist Eleanor Smeal (second from the left) and DC’s first congressional delegate Walter Fauntroy (first from the left) protest outside the White House in response to Idaho v. Freeman.
In this case, the Idaho federal district court argued that the deadline for states to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was part of the amendment proposal itself and could not be changed once legislation was sent to the states to decide.
Since DC lacks , how does this impact local communities?
📷 NOW-ERA demonstration in Lafayette Square with Eleanor Smeal at podium, August 1981 (Caral Watkins photograph collection, CW 051)
🚇 “Step back, doors closing!”
in 1984, WMATA extended the Metro's Red Line to include Tenleytown, Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Medical Center, and Grosvenor to much fanfare.
Washington Post columnist Arthur S. Brisbane reflected on the expansion celebration noting, “It was truly a surpassing day for freebies,” such as this commemorative pennant in the DC History Center’s collection.
Read more 👉 https://wapo.st/3ApDfOF
📷 Object Collection, 2014.068.1.
📸 We’re focusing in on eminent DC photographer Robert H. McNeill this !
Here, McNeill captures diners enjoying a meal at Harrison's Cafe at 455 Florida Avenue NW. In its heyday, the restaurant was popular among Howard University professors, musicians at the nearby Howard Theatre, and LeDroit Park residents who could not dine at segregated restaurants downtown.
📷 Scene in Harrison's Cafe at 455 Florida Avenue NW, ca. 1950 (Robert H. McNeill, MG 11.05)
This , come learn more about Black businesses from DC’s history by researching in our library! Our librarian recommends starting with the Michael Fitzpatrick African American businesses research collection (MS 0873).
Fitzpatrick compiled his research notes on index cards while preparing his 1989 Master’s thesis at the University of Virginia, "Shaw, Washington's premier Black neighborhood: an examination of the origins and development of a Black business movement, 1880-1920” (also available in the library). The cards list business names (like Miss Eliza Johnson’s Confectionary and Bruce’s International Antiseptic Barbershop), addresses, and dates of operation during the development of Shaw’s Black business movement. Some also list proprietor and employee names.
👉 https://bit.ly/3K3aGK5
📷 Research notes on index cards from the Michael Fitzpatrick African American businesses research collection, MS 0873.
🐶 Whew–seems like we might finally be getting some relief from the heat!
How have you been keeping cool during the “dog days” of summer?
📷 A dog lies in the shade by the porch of the Bowie-Sevier House at 3124 Q Street NW, ca. 1865 (Bowie-Sevier House Collection, BS 19)
📖 Happy !
Here, Wu Ting-Fang and three other diplomats read in the Chinese Legation room of Stewart Castle on Dupont Circle, ca. 1890.
📷 Legation employees reading in room of Chinese Legation on Dupont Circle. General photograph collection, CHS 03965.
DC History Center updated their website address.
This spring the DC History Center launched its first call for two research fellows focusing on Black Washington and/or LGBTQ+ DC. We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2022-2023 fellowships, Tim Kumfer and Kristy Li Puma!
Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/DCResearchFellows
📷 Anne McDonough, DC History Center deputy director.
to the 1973 Chinese American Summer Festival celebrating the community in DC. This banner hung above H and 7th Streets NW, just a few blocks away from the DC History Center.
📷 Banner announcing the Chinese American Summer Festival. Pete Copeland, CHN 049.
🍦 Happy National !
In 1868, you could celebrate the day at J.R. Wright’s Ice Cream & Oyster Saloon. While this may sound like an odd combo, these DC-favorites were seasonal offerings at this local eatery.
📷 Guide to Washington City and Vicinity: a complete hand-book, directing the stranger how to find its public buildings, churches, hotels, places of amusement, etc. Printed Materials Collection: John F. Ellis, F198.E472.
Family history makes the past personal. Join us tomorrow, 7/16 for a one-hour, virtual orientation where Stephen Hammond explains why he researches his family history and provides tools to get you started!
👉 https://bit.ly/3AvknOk
📷 Images for graphic provided by Stephen Hammond
Kiplinger Research Library patron Eric Miller inherited this pocket watch from his mother, who bought it at an LA auction in the 1960s. With the help of the DC History Center's archive and city directories, he discovered the object’s past.
The Lemaistres, a Huguenot emigre family of watchmakers made this verge fusee watch in Carlow, Ireland around 1735. Over 100 years later, the watch arrived in DC for repairs by either the jeweler William Voss or his widow, Lisette, who continued to use his name in business listings after his passing.
Objects passed down through generations can be great starting points for tracing family histories. Join us July 16 for a one-hour, virtual orientation with Stephen Hammond, as he provides tools to get you started!
👉 https://bit.ly/3AvknOk
📷 Courtesy, Eric Miller.
Rainbow History Project (MS 0764) collection volunteer Vincent Slatt and deputy director Anne McDonough orient summer interns Brahmir Vick, Hannah Nunes, and Caroline Bilbray-Kohn to an unprocessed portion of the collection. In partnership with the US Naval Academy, the midshipmen spent the month of June at the DC History Center taking a crash course in archiving DC LGBTQ+ history.
Interested in doing your own LGBTQ research? Learn more about our archival partner, .org!
📷 Photo by Guadalupe Rosa, DC History Center summer floor associate.
801 K Street, NW
Washington D.C., DC
20001
Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter: served by the Green Line and Yellow Lines. Judiciary Square: served by the Red Line.
Research Services at the Kiplinger Research Library will resume on August 27, 2019.
| Thursday | 2pm - 7pm |
| Friday | 2pm - 7pm |
| Saturday | 12pm - 6pm |
| Sunday | 12pm - 6pm |
DC History Center Store offers books and merchandise celebrating Washington, DC and drawing on DC History Center collections.
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Time lapse of 5 minutes in the DC History Center's West Gallery
Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 7:00 pm and Sundays 12:00 - 5:00 pm
We are so proud of our new exhibits and DC History Center Store. Come check us out next weekend.
“When is the DC History Center opening?” The most asked question today. To get the news before anyone sign up for our e-newsletter at DCHistory.org today. #history #education #carnegielibrary #dchistory #publicbuildings
THE BIG PICTURE will surprise and delight you.
Celebrating 125 years of collecting, interpreting, and sharing the history of Washington, D.C., the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. was founded on May 3, 1894, by a group of 34 men and women concerned with preserving the rapidly changing city in which they lived.
A one-minute video clip from a 1952 film of the Carnegie Library shows how much the local DC community used the building. Men, women, and children from all walks of life were able to use its resources.
Something BIG is coming to the new DC History Center at the Carnegie Library!
Announcing the new DC History Center at the Carnegie Library
A one-minute introduction to the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
The secret is out! Prepare for the Making D.C. History Awards 2017 by reviewing its most historic moments and meeting our new honorees:
Thank you to all who supported us this #GivingTuesday. You make this and so much more possible! Want to join us this giving season? Visit dchistory.org/give. #ThankfulforDC #DCHistory
#ThankfulforDC: We're kicking off this giving season by celebrating those who have made #DCHistory possible. A special thank you to the Newseum for hosting the 2016 Making D.C. History Awards. Thank you as well to Events DC, the Washingtonian, the DC Office of Planning, and to our sponsors that allowed us to recognize this year's honorees whose enduring contributions to our community have helped create, define, and preserve our city’s heritage. Join us in giving: dchistory.org/give #GivingTuesday
Almost there! Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington
Time-lapsed movie. Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington
It's been a historic year and we're not through yet! While we're waiting to return to the Carnegie Library be sure to check out our hightlights from 2015-2016 and visit our website, dchistory.org, for upcoming programs near you.
@DCHistory and the DC History Center in the Carnegie Library are managed by the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community-supported educational and research organization that collects, interprets, and shares the history of our nation’s capital. Founded in 1894, it serves a diverse audience through its collections, public programs, exhibitions, and publications. Washington is known throughout the world as a monumental federal city. Less well-known are the stories of Washington’s many diverse and vibrant communities. The Historical Society helps make this local history readily available to the public to promote a sense of identity, place, and pride in Washington and to preserve this heritage for future generations. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram! @DCHistory
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6th Street NWInternational Spy Museum Educators page
L'enfant PlazaOld Korean Legation in Washington D.C. 주미대한제국
13th Street NWDepartment of Entomology, NMNH, Smithsonian I
Street Nw At Constitution Avenue NWSmithsonian's Human Origins Program
The Museum Interstate Located At The Intersection of 10Th Street and Constitution AvenueChinese American Museum Washington DC
16th Street NWSmithsonian National Museum of Natural Histor
Street & Constitution Avenue NWNational Postal Museum's Department of Educat
Massachusetts Avenue NESmithsonian National Postal Museum
Massachusetts Avenue NE
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural Histor
Street & Constitution Avenue NW
National Museum of American History
Street and Constitution Avenue
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington D.c.
National Museum of the United States Navy
Sicard Street SE
Smithsonian National Museum of African Americ
Constitution Avenue NW
Naval History & Heritage Command
Kidder Breese Street SE
The Smithsonian's Lemelson Center
Street and Constitution Avenue
U.S. Department of the Interior Museum
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