Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    DC History Center

    4.0 (11 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    DC History Center Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - DC History Center

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Black History Book
    Shenise F.

    On a random day in DC browsing thru the Apple Store, I discovered the DC History center that is located on the second floor of the historic Carnegie Library. At the time of my visit, the pop up exhibit entitled DC Home Rule 50 was on display. The collection of images highlights topics such as DC statehood and full citizenship. I was very intrigued by the panoramic photos of black culture in the 1950's & 1960's. Especially the junior high school picture of Marvin Gaye. The museum is free to visit, however donations are always welcomed.

    Panorama
    Steve A.

    Another great and often overlooked attraction. DC History Center is kind of hard to find. It's a ways from the National Mall. Because it's farther away, there's not as much of a crowd. That makes a more enjoyable visit. It has a research library. It's pretty cool if you're really into researching. There's all kinds of ancient books and things. It also has an exhibit. You can look at all kinds of old city maps. It's neat seeing how the city came to be. This is fun if you like geeking out on this kind of stuff. It doesn't have as many open hours. The library is only by appointment, so you need to call someone or go online. It just seems more dry than the other more popular museums where all the tourists go. It's a place for the nerd herd. This is still fun if you're an inquisitive type.

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - DC History Center

    Review Highlights - DC History Center

    I've walked by the Carnegie Library many times.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Museums 4,325 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building - Well attended Thursday happy hour

    Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building

    4.7(614 reviews)
    1.4 miCapitol Hill

    A gem of a historical venue that you must check out. The library is impressive, the halls are…read moremassive and marble. But the most important thing to do is bring your ID and get your very own library card for the Library of Congress. It only takes a few minutes and an online form. There is little waiting and you get the card right then and there. We live on Capitol Hill and always bring our friends and family to this venue and they leave with a fun souvenir. The entire experience is free. One of the more impressive displays is the Gutenberg Bible just outside of the rotunda. It is complete and printed on vellum. There are only 3 of these on the planet in existence. There are only 49 total Gutenberg Bibles in existence, 12 of them were printed on vellum (which is animal skin and the most costly and most durable material from the era). And, as I mentioned, there are only 3 Gutenberg Bibles that are fully in tact and printed on vellum. Go see it. It's a crucial part of history. The other two are in The British Library (London, UK) and The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (Paris, France).

    Don't let the long line discourage you; it's absolutely worth the wait. Expect to spend around 20…read moreminutes in line, and keep in mind that part of the wait is usually outside, so it can get pretty hot on warm days. Once inside, the building is stunning. The famous ceiling is every bit as impressive as the photos, and it's worth taking your time to admire the architecture. Be sure to check out the rotating exhibits as well. I thought the two Georges were well done. Also enjoyed seeing actual books from Jefferson's library. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and happy to answer questions. If you're visiting Washington, DC, this is definitely a place I'd recommend, especially if you're already exploring Capitol Hill. It's an easy walk to Navy Yard if you're planning to spend time there afterward.

    Photos
    Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building - 3/21/2019

    3/21/2019

    Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building - Thomas Jefferson's Library

    Thomas Jefferson's Library

    Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building - Library of Congress

    See all

    Library of Congress

    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library

    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library

    3.7(29 reviews)
    0.7 miShaw

    I had driven past this library several times and today was the first time that I actually set foot…read moreinside. My plan was to go to a cafe further down Georgia Avenue and this place pooped-up again put of the corner of my eye. I need to work remotely today, and working from Starbucks has kind of run its course. I would give this public library a score of 10 out of 10 in terms of all of the things that are important when you are working remotely. It's modern and even the tables and chairs are up-to-date and comfortable. I would say this library has to have been constructed within the last ten years. It's quiet and there's no loud cafe music, which is surprising. There's a 7-11 right across the street, and this important for the most I vikis reasons. I e already been here three hours, and I will probably stay here until 6pm. I will see how the day goes and I am already thinking to make this a spot for me.

    I cant say enough how Wonderful DC libraries have become. Aside from having plenty of books,…read morenewspapers and magazines, they also have DVDs, printers, Internet access, meeting/study rooms, a fantastic amount of online services like newspapers, movies, Ancestry.com, childrens area, etc. When they are not too busy being a library, they also collect voting ballots, distribute COVID tests and masks etc. This location is fantastic, steps from the Metro. And they have great hours.

    Photos
    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library
    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library
    Watha T Daniel-Shaw Library

    See all

    West End Neighborhood Library - Computer area.

    West End Neighborhood Library

    3.2(36 reviews)
    1.5 miWest End

    Agree with the rest of the reviews mentioning the population that tends to hang out here. It…read moredoesn't feel safe or feasible to stay in the library for any prolonged amount of time given the disruptive and sometimes aggressive behavior. If you're a smaller person or look less able to defend yourself, you might not feel safe hanging out in here. Also, if you're smell sensitive, forget it. I really don't mean to sound callous, but a public library is supposed to be for everyone. At times for this library there's really only one kind of community member that seems to feel comfortable hanging around. I don't think this is an acceptable state of things when our tax dollars fund public libraries. I wouldn't take kids here either. I strongly urge the leadership to do something about this problem that many people have now noted. The public library isn't a homeless shelter. Allowing it to turn into one will not fix the systemic issues that lead to homelessness and a lack of shelter space. It simply prevents others from using this public resource as intended. If y'all can call security on a Black teenager that was trying to study in the Children's section and bothering no one, surely you can call security to remove disruptive homeless people.

    This is an excellent, new, clean, and well organized library in West End. There is a lot of seating…read moreand reading spaces, but it smells foul in some areas because some of the patrons are homeless hanging out/sleeping inside. The service desk employee was friendly and knowledgeable and got me signed up for a new DC Library Card quickly. I love that the library is delivery connected to the Bluestone Lane (cafe/sandwich/breakfast spot).

    Photos
    West End Neighborhood Library - Plenty of single and group seating options.

    Plenty of single and group seating options.

    West End Neighborhood Library
    West End Neighborhood Library

    See all

    Northeast Neighborhood Library

    Northeast Neighborhood Library

    4.4(16 reviews)
    1.5 miCapitol Hill

    The Northeast DC Library has such a special place in my heart. When I first moved to DC nearly 10…read moreyears ago, I lived two blocks away. I was funemployed for a few months and would stroll over, eat a bagel sandwich from the nearby Jacob's Coffee House, eat it at the outdoor tables under the beautiful trees, then head inside the library to explore books, magazines, and more. I'm a library person through and through so admittedly I love any library, but this one is truly a gem and so important to the neighborhood. I know that it is the fourth-oldest branch in DC and was fully renovated in 2014. There are several levels. The top floor is children and teen books and features board books, all sizes of tables for all sizes of humans, and some toys. Story time happens up there. It is nice that floor is separate so the families with young kids can feel more at ease. The main floor has, in addition to books, magazines, an area to pick up your reserve holds, lots of places to sit (the main reading room), and more. There is a half-floor between the main and upper floor featuring meeting rooms. I believe there is also a large meeting room in the basement that is used for events. And, a general note about DCPL! If you have a card, be sure that you also download the app. You can scan your barcode for self-checkout in person, and manage your library account easily from there. Accessibility: There is a ramp outside, on the right side, near the patio, and there are working elevators inside. So much love for this library. It is cozy, charming, and feels timeless. It will always be there for me, and for you.

    As libraries go this one is so enchanting. I love the building... the ambiance .... It's…read morenostalgic! And oddly beautiful.

    Photos
    Northeast Neighborhood Library
    Northeast Neighborhood Library
    Northeast Neighborhood Library

    See all

    DC History Center - museums - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...