DC History Center — Local services in Washington

When you arrive at the home of The D.C.History Center, don't be confused by the Apple logos on the front of the building (the Center shares space with an Apple Store on the first floor).

When you enter this beautifully restored building, head upstairs to the History Center where it's very likely you will be greeted by a friendly member of the Historical Society of Washington, D.C.

There were two exhibits open when we visited, a panoramic photo display called The Big Picture and a room size timeline called the D.C. Hall of History. They really do a great job of celebrating the culture and history of D.C., not just as the nation's capital but as a city with its own story to tell. Plan to spend an hour here at most.

The Kiplinger Research Library was not yet open, but should resume operation in...

It's unfortunate the apple store fills most of the building with audio, BUT... it's still worth checking out. It's great for a quick visit, as the exhibits aren't large and if you're like me and like to read most/all of the information presented, you could probably view them all in an hour or so. Karen was incredibly welcoming, warm, and informative. I was able to much better appreciate the exhibits with the info she shared with me. And I almost forgot- unlike many museums that sanitize the history of this country, I really appreciated the clear, accurate language used to describe the violence perpetrated in the establishment of...

Full disclosure: I’ve volunteered at DC History Center in the past. Heads up, the research library is only open Tuesday and Thursday by appointment (as of this writing).

The big picture: The DC History Center is a hidden gem of DC’s museum landscape.

Why you should go: the staff is helpful, the exhibits are informative and it’s a budget-friendly way to understand DC’s neighborhoods, culture and political status

The bottom line: if you are interested in DC local history, photography or beaux-arts architecture, then this museum is for you. Remember to check out the basement floor and the second floor to get the...