Exploring the Collections

A non-profit organization, the DC History Center’s collection is composed of materials donated by families, organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, and other communities that comprise Washington, DC. Founded in 1894, the organization maintains and provides access to these materials as an invaluable common resource for current and future Washingtonians, to deepen understanding of our city’s past to connect, empower, and inspire.

Focused on local DC as opposed to federal Washington, the collection scope encompasses the Washington, DC city limits and areas outside of those limits that have a direct relationship to individuals, locations, and events that occurred within the District. This includes the relationship to the greater metropolitan area and historical connections with Maryland and Virginia.

This guide describes the various ways the DC History Center collections are organized, and the methods the public can use to access them.