DC History

It’s nearly Emancipation Day again in the District—on April 16, the city will celebrate 157 years since it freed 3,100 enslaved people from bondage. The anniversary became an official public holiday in 2005, and since then, it’s been…

It’s easy to hear the word “emancipation” and immediately think of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which freed American slaves on Jan. 1, 1863. But in D.C., emancipation came earlier, and it’s still celebrated to…

After extensive renovations, the Historical Society of Washington (and Apple) will move in soon.

As she stepped toward the bouquet of microphones, she closed her eyes — as if to echo the words of the man who had just introduced her by saying, “Genius, like justice, is blind.”

In February 1944 Clara Mays, an African American federal government employee, purchased a three-story rowhouse in the Bloomingdale neighborhood, just north of Florida Avenue, close to Howard University.

Marvin Gaye holds a special place in the heart and lore of Washington, D.C.

We have to give credit where it’s due. Back in 1969, legendary Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham had been listening to WAVA, a small AM station out of the Virginia suburbs that broadcast all news.

In 1938, construction of the Jefferson Memorial set off a showdown between garden club members and President Roosevelt

To much of the outside world, the two women living in the Victorian-style house perched on a hill in the nation’s capital were lifelong companions who remained single to focus on their careers.

Washington is filled with two types of people: those committed to preserving history at the incredible museums and universities, and the many politicians and policy wonks, excited to shape the nation’s future. This same mix of past and…

Inside of Georgia Avenue’s Howard University Hospital is where forgotten D.C. sports lore lives. Down the main hallway, around the corner from elevators, and next to a bathroom is a batter’s box, complete with a home plate. It was on this…

A new National Portrait Gallery exhibition explores the untold stories of how women gained the right to vote.

Posting photos of the cherry blossoms is a springtime tradition for both Washington newbies and longtime locals. Sure, it feels kind of basic, but those flowers are just calling to be photographed. How can we resist their siren song?

As the D.C. Council enacted reforms to reduce public corruption, federal prosecutors were probing whether its longest-serving member used his office for private gain.

One of D.C.’s historic active firehouses is hiding in plain sight.

The tour will proceed along First Street NW and is scheduled for April 14

Not long ago, Greenbelt, Md., writer Mark Opsasnick decided to listen to his entire CD collection in alphabetical order, from beginning to end. He’s currently in the Bs, almost done with the Beatles. (“Only ‘Abbey Road’ and ‘Let It Be’…

In 1930s Washington, two teens changed jazz forever. Their names were Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun.