Six guests leave to North Gallery and head back to the landing of the DC History Center.

A historic metro map lays on a wooden table with a sleeve of 1940s era bus fare cards laid over top. A woman's hand with its nails painted in black polish touches the items.

DC History Center staff wrap the 2026 DC History Conference.

Domonique Spear, Manager of Visitor Experience, speaks to children gathered outside the Carnegie Library to visit the DC History Center. Behind them, the pediment above the entrance to the first floor of the library is visible.

Two people browse a well-organized gift shop filled with books, T-shirts, tote bags, and various souvenirs related to Washington, DC. One person, wearing a green shirt, is reaching for a book on a shelf, while the other, dressed in a white shirt and dark shorts, stands with hands in pockets, looking at the display. Items include shirts with slogans like “History Happens Here” and “Taxation Demands Representation,” tote bags labeled “DC History Center,” and a variety of books, children's items, and art prints. The shelves are modern with spot lighting, creating a clean and inviting atmosphere.

A man kneels as he returns a journal to one of the shelves in the Kiplinger Research Library. Shelves of books are visible behind him.

High school students gather around a table in the Kiplinger Research Library and look at a replica of a historic poster.

Understanding our city’s past to connect, empower, and inspire

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Our Bold Idea

One home for local Washington, DC history and the humanities

After a year of careful planning and deliberation, the DC History Center and HumanitiesDC have entered into an agreement to merge and become a new organization. While there is important work ahead, we expect the merger to be formalized this fall.

Learn more about our plans for this next chapter!

Washington History Gets a New Publishing Partner

Exciting news for Washington History! The magazine returns in fall 2027 with a new publishing partner, the University of North Carolina Press, and Sarah Jane Shoenfeld as its new editor.

The partnership means a fresh, full-color redesign and expanded national and international distribution, while continuing the magazine’s longstanding commitment to DC history scholarship.

An array of Washington History Magazines displayed over top of each other.

Join the Founders Circle

The Founders Circle is a community of donors dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Washington, DC and ensuring they have a vital place in our city’s future. Be a part of our story.

Explore Our Digital Collections

Created through ResourceSpace, this platform includes: born-digital materials, public domain photograph collections, digitized audio-visual material, donated scans from community archiving events, and more.