The DC History Center has been sharing research on Washington’s past since 1897, when we published the first volume of Records of the Columbia Historical Society. For nearly a century, the hardcover Records offered an essential forum for documenting the city’s history. In 1989, the publication evolved into Washington History—the softcover magazine that has continued this proud legacy of storytelling and scholarship.
With the release of the fall 2025 issue, we celebrate another milestone in that 128-year journey—and begin writing the next chapter. Over the decades, the ways we publish, distribute, and read local history have changed dramatically. Rising production costs and the shift toward digital engagement have prompted us to consider new approaches for sharing the city’s stories.
Release party for the spring 2024 issue of Washington History magazine, held at Right Proper Brewery, May 2024.
This summer, we convened a task force of local historians and scholars to help us reimagine the future of Washington History and ensure that our support for DC-focused scholarship remains strong. Articles from Washington History currently attract more than 55,000 readers annually via JSTOR, demonstrating the enduring appetite for accessible, high-quality research about the nation’s capital. Together, we are exploring how best to build on that legacy.
As part of this process, the DC History Center will temporarily pause publication of Washington History following the fall 2025 issue. We will not release a spring 2026 issue as we assess alternate formats and publishing schedules. During this transition, our work to connect people with DC’s history will continue through new online resources, blog posts, and digital programming—including our upcoming library and collections newsletter and a podcast with historian Briana Thomas on DC’s alleyways.
We are deeply grateful to the many historians, writers, and editors who have shaped Washington History over the years. The fall 2025 issue team—Jane F. Levey, Tara Bahrampour, John DeFerrari, and Anne Masters—has closed this chapter on a high note, and we thank them for their dedication.
Thank you for being part of our community as we explore what’s next for Washington History. Your support ensures that DC’s stories continue to be discovered, shared, and celebrated for generations to come.
If you have questions or thoughts to share, please reach out to lhagood@dchistory.org.