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

Make a Donation

Upcoming Programs

Apply for the Totman Fellowship

Submission deadline: Sunday, March 1 at 11:59 pm EST

The DC History Center is currently accepting applications for its 2026-2027 Totman Fellowship, open to two individuals.

The Totman Fellowships support emerging scholars of Washington, DC history while increasing awareness of the DC History Center’s collections and resources. Through stipends, dedicated workspace, and mentorship, the fellowships provide scholars with the time, tools, and intellectual community needed to develop original research and share it with a broad public audience.

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)

Shop Washington History Magazine

Washington History brings the past to life with engaging, accessible scholarship curated for curious readers. Written and edited by distinguished historians and journalists, each issue pairs compelling articles with vivid imagery, reviews, and short features. Order back issues online or visit our store Thursday–Sunday, 12–6 pm.

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

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.