Discover DC History
Whether conducting scholarly research, learning the history of your home, or simply looking to learn more about DC’s people, places, and events, the DC History Center’s collection of primary and secondary source materials are waiting for you.
The DC History Center began collecting local Washington, DC history at its founding in 1894. Since then, it has amassed a unique collection of books, photographs, scrapbooks, personal letters and manuscripts, real estate atlases, ephemera, maps and more!
Getting Started
KIPLINGER RESEARCH LIBRARY
Named for the local family of publishers, the Kiplinger Research Library is your gateway to hands-on access to the collections. It is a non-circulating library and appointments are required.
REMOTE REFERENCE
For those who can’t make an in-person visit or are simply seeking further research assistance.
RESEARCH GUIDES
Curated short-cuts into general historical subjects and specific historical topics.
ONLINE CATALOG
Search all cataloged items in the DC History Center collection.
REPRODUCTIONS AND PERMISSIONS
Get high-resolution digital scans through this Kiplinger Research Library service.
DIGITAL RESOURCES
Do-it-yourself online resources from the DC History Center and our partners.