Historian Jeremiah Montague, Jr. with the Woodridge Civic Association leads a tour through the Woodridge neighborhood. Photo by Cindy Centeno.
The DC History Center is excited to unveil two new neighborhood history booklets: Hillcrest and Woodridge. These self-guided walking tour guides highlight the people, places, and stories that shaped two of Washington’s vibrant communities.
The newly released booklets are more than just simple guides—they’re compact maps with striking illustrations and carefully selected stories. Behind these pages is a collaborative process that brought together community leaders, local historians, librarians, and designers to ensure that the history of these neighborhoods is shared with both accuracy and heart.
A Shared Vision The Hillcrest x Woodridge Neighborhood History Project was born from a commitment to make local history accessible and meaningful. The DC History Center, in partnership with the DC Public Library and the DC Public Library Foundation, set out to create resources that would bring neighborhood stories out of the archives and into the hands of residents. The booklets are designed not only to guide walking tours but also to invite neighbors and visitors alike to see these overlooked communities with new eyes.
Photo by Cindy Centeno
Collaboration in Action This project relied on expertise rooted in the neighborhoods themselves. • In Hillcrest, longtime community historian Jim Byers helped shape the narrative of a neighborhood nicknamed the “Silver Coast.” • In Woodridge, historian Jeremiah Montague, Jr. with the Woodridge Civic Association provided essential knowledge of the community’s civic life and cultural heritage to put Woodridge on the map.
Seasoned walking tour guide and expert Briana Thomas of Black Broadway Travel supported both Byers and Montague in their efforts to create the narrative and route for their tours. Their insights were paired with the research and editing efforts of DC History Center staff Mariana Barros-Titus, Maren Orchard, and Katrina Ingraham, with photo research supported by Bi’Anncha Andrews and Samantha Lewis. The People’s Archive of the DC Public Library provided access to images and historical documentation. Additionally, branch library staff generously offered ideas, feedback, and community connections throughout this project.
The visual dimension of the project was entrusted to local DC designer Carlos Camonamedina, whose illustrations and layouts transformed archival detail and text into engaging, navigable guides. His design ensures that each booklet functions both as an educational resource and as a keepsake for the community.
Powered by Community Support The Hillcrest x Woodridge Neighborhood History Project was funded by the DC Public Library Foundation, through the Elizabeth Holden Bequest. This support underscores the essential role of philanthropy in sustaining projects that deepen public understanding of the District’s neighborhoods.
Why It Matters These booklets demonstrate the impact of community-engaged, hyper-local history. By elevating neighborhood voices and highlighting sites of cultural significance, they offer more than a record of the past—they serve as tools for connection, education, and civic engagement.
An Invitation We invite you to pick up the booklets at the Woodridge Neighborhood Library and Hillcrest’s Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library, explore the walking routes, and engage with the history that continues to shape these neighborhoods. In doing so, you become part of an ongoing effort to honor and preserve the diverse stories that define Washington, DC.
The booklets can also be viewed digitally here on our website: Hillcrest Booklet | Woodridge Booklet
A group takes a tour through Hillcrest led by historian Jim Beyers. Photo by Maren Orchard.