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.

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

A young toddler stands barefoot on a rug while playing with a large, colorful abacus at the DC History Center’s Class Action exhibition. Behind the child, a vintage school locker with an orange jacket inside adds to the classroom-themed setting.

A photo of the Carnegie Library from the right corner of its K Street facing side. The front of the building and its six corinthian columns and three pointed pediments are visible behind two lamp posts. A woman sits on one of two benches in front of the Carnegie Library as two men walk away from the Carnegie Library.

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.

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.

View from a floor level vantage point with legs and black Converse high top sneakers in the foreground and a young man walking in a white sweatshirt and sneakers further away.

In the lobby of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library four women are holding hands and roller skating. People are sitting and standing behind them.

A woman looks through some of the DC History Center's archival photos.

Guests read text on "Taking Action" panel during the VIP Class Action exhibit opening.

Two men seated and holding microphones speak to an audience in the West Gallery.

Education Manager Vanessa Williams (right) talks with a teacher about their classroom resource. Photo by Phillip Warfield.

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

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.

A teacher takes notes among collections inside the Kiplinger Research Library. Photo by Phillip Warfield.

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

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Upcoming Programs

Attend the DC History Conference

The DC History Conference welcomes students, community members, educators, artists, storytellers, and cultural heritage workers to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for our FREE, two-day event.

Research DC History

The Kiplinger Research Library is the DC History Center’s special collections repository of local Washington, DC history. Today’s collections are enjoyed and studied by scholars, journalists, authors, local residents, genealogists, and students. Anyone interested in local DC history is encouraged to explore our collections.

A group of children walk together on a sunny Sunday on 6th Street NE near G Street, May 29, 1949 (John P. Wymer photograph collection, WY 1226.2)

Apply to Teach the District

Submission deadline: Tuesday, May 31, 2026

The DC History Center is currently accepting applications for Teach the District, our five-day summer professional development program that brings local history to life and encourages civic engagement through history-informed action. Held annually in July, this paid program is for DC 3rd-12th grade teachers in any discipline.

A group of people stands outdoors on a sunny day, surrounded by trees. In the foreground, a person wearing glasses, a floral tank top, and red shorts smiles while holding a water bottle. Others in the group wear casual clothing, including one person in a green tie-dye outfit with a pink waist bag and another sipping from a water bottle. Everyone appears to be engaged in an outdoor activity or event.

About us

Elevating the stories of Washington’s diverse people, communities, and institutions

Founded in 1894, the DC History Center deepens understanding of our city’s past to connect, empower, and inspire. As the only community-based nonprofit focused on the District’s history, our vision is to engage with neighborhoods across DC and elevate the stories of Washington’s diverse people, communities, and institutions.