Mission & Vision

connect, empower, and inspire

The DC History Center deepens understanding of our city’s past to connect, empower, and inspire.

The DC History Center will engage with neighborhoods across DC and elevate the stories of Washington’s diverse people, communities, and institutions. We aim to do this work as a welcoming and inclusive nonprofit organization that fosters curiosity and nurtures civic engagement to strengthen the District.

Our Values

we celebrate stories that shape our capital

The DC History Center supports a diverse, vibrant, and complex city by preserving, honoring, and uplifting the full range of stories that unfold in the nation’s capital. The DC History Center promotes a brighter future for all Washingtonians by shining a light on the city’s triumphs and shortcomings as well as instances of resistance, resilience, and communal cooperation.

We serve as a welcoming convener, using the tools of history to put our audience members in conversation with each other, while encouraging learning, empathy, and civic engagement. In addition, we urge our stakeholders—as engaged citizens, taxpayers, educators, and leaders—to use these insights to support a city where we can all thrive in every aspect of life.

The DC History Center commits to:
  1. Actively listen to the perspectives and stories of our diverse communities and illuminate these stories through our programs, services, and collections
  2. Foster a culture of inclusivity and respect for all stakeholders and audiences
  3. Make its collections, spaces, programs, and services accessible to all audiences
  4. Reflect our communities in our board, staff, volunteers, and contractors
  5. Reduce our reliance on unpaid work
  6. Ensure transparency and equity in our pay administration
  7. Hold regular meetings with a justice and equity focus to learn about evolving best practices and increase our knowledge
  8. Share yearly updates with our community about lessons learned