The DC History Center is committed to providing an inclusive and meaningful experience for all our guests. Our staff and volunteers will happily assist with any needs or questions during your visit.
If you have any additional questions, please email info@dchistory.org.
Building Accessibility
The DC History Center is located within the Carnegie Library building on the second floor.
– Elevator access is available on all floors.
– Ramp access paths are available from all four corners of Mt. Vernon Square. The accessible entrance equipped with an automatic door is located on the south/K Street NW side of the building. Ramps leading to this door are on the sides of the main staircase when facing the front of the building. Upon entering this door you will find yourself on the ground floor with elevator access to the rest of the building.
– On the second floor, the West Gallery has backless benches for guests. The North Gallery is a smaller space and does not have seating. Guests may request a chair for use in all spaces as needed.
– There is a water bottle filling station on the second floor outside the bathrooms.
– All exhibit information is written in English on reader rails or on wall panels. A scrolling video of historic panoramic images plays on a screen but there is no audio within the exhibit.
Service Animals
The DC History Center welcomes service animals but other animals or pets are not allowed. Under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Therapy animals whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals.
Guests with Sensory Sensitivities
The Apple Store on the first floor plays music and gives mic’d tutorials throughout the day. Due to the acoustics of the building, this can create a loud environment on the second floor where the DC History Center is located. However, inside of our exhibit spaces the sound is greatly reduced.
Researching in the Kiplinger Research Library
We aim to provide equitable access to library resources and services—if you require specific accommodations in order to have a satisfying research visit, please let us know when you make your appointment and we will do our best to meet them. Below are a few situations you may encounter during a library visit:
– At the beginning of your research appointment, we ask you to complete our researcher registration form by hand. You may complete this form online before your appointment or one of our library staff members can complete it for you.
– Depending on the materials you requested, you may have to remove small document boxes from carts or shelves, remove folders from boxes, and carefully open envelopes to remove fragile photographic or paper materials. If any of these actions would be a barrier to access for you, please let us know at the time you make your appointment so we can have a library staff member available to support your access to the materials.
– There is no eating or drinking in the library. You will have to exit the Kiplinger Research Library to consume any food or beverage that may be needed.
– There are several magnifiers and loupes available at the self-service library tools cart to assist researchers; these can also be requested to be placed with your research materials ahead of your arrival.
Other Considerations When Planning Your Visit
Restrooms are available on the basement and second floor of the building. Restrooms have accessible stalls, although the outer entry doors can be heavy and are not automatic. Please contact a staff member or volunteer if you need assistance with the restroom door.