Written and edited by historians and journalists, it offers a rich array of images, reviews, short features, and scholarly articles edited for the general reader. First published in 1989, the magazine replaced the Records of the Columbia Historical Society (1897-1989).
Please note: The DC History Center has temporarily paused publication of Washington History. Rising production costs and changing approaches to sharing history have prompted us to rethink how we support research and storytelling about Washington, DC.
Since summer 2025, a task force of local historians and scholars has been working to shape the next chapter of Washington History. While the magazine is on pause, our commitment to preserving and sharing DC’s history remains as strong as ever.
Four essays in four time periods—the 1960s and ‘70s, the 1950s, World War II, and the early 1800s—deepen understanding of federal/local relationships, social justice, and commerce.
Emilye Crosby presents the illustrated story of photographer and folklorist Roland L. Freeman. Tanya Mara Golash-Boza and Lily Lindros plumb real estate data to consider the many causes of White Flight in Brightwood Park. Anne Dobberteen recounts how Washingtonians responded to the threat of Axis air raids during World War II. Matthew Goetz writes the story of the Tripoli Monument (1808), Washington’s first national memorial, honoring sailors and marines who won the Tripolitan Wars to free Americans enslaved in North Africa. He also describes how the statue became a political football in the contest over American slavery.
The current and past issues are available for purchase in the DC History Center Store.
To read sample Washington History articles, check out our LibGuide “Washington History in the Classroom.”
The magazine is a benefit of membership in the DC History Center. Visit our membership page for details!