On the Square

Founded in 1894, the DC History Center deepens understanding of our city's past to connect, empower, and inspire. As the only community-based nonprofit focused on the District’s history, our vision is to reach into all eight wards to preserve and elevate the stories of Washington's diverse people, neighborhoods, and institutions.The DC History Center is located in the historic Carnegie Library on Mt. Vernon Square in Washington, DC. It includes three galleries, a library, and a retail store.

DC History Center

Spend your day with the DC History Center at the Carnegie Library–where neighborhoods intersect and you connect with DC's past and future.

Spend Saturday, October 14 at our annual community day, On the Square! Located on Mount Vernon Square—where multiple neighborhoods intersect—and neighbors and friends connect to reflect on the past, celebrate today’s vibrant communities, and dream of a more just future.Begin with an exploration of the <a href="https://dchistory.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">DC History Center </a>inside the Carnegie Library. Listen in on pop-up talks in THE BIG PICTURE, examine resources in the Kiplinger Research Library, take a walking tour of the building or neighborhood, and get crafty in Memorial Hall. At 1:30 pm, join the DC History Center in collaboration with Apple in the first floor forum for a <a href="https://www.apple.com/today/event/workshop-write-poetry-with-sami-and-kenneth-101423/7112479147372740864/?sn=R516" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">workshop </a>with local poets Sami Miranda and Kenneth Carroll. Afterward, venture into the nearby neighborhoods with our reward card in-hand. Visit participating cultural sites and local businesses for more activities, freebies, and discounts!

<h3>A﻿CTIVITIES</h3>Start your day at the DC History Center located at 801 K Street NW, on the second floor of the Carnegie Library. Once checked in, you will be provided with a reward card for the day. A full schedule will be available online.<ul><li>Tour the Carnegie Library building</li><li>Peruse selected collections in the Kiplinger Research Library</li><li>Shop our DC History Center store for fun merch</li><li>Get inspired by some of our favorite DC history projects</li><li>See “Archives in Action” during pop-up talks in The Big Picture</li><li>Walk Mount Vernon Square, Chinatown, and Shaw</li><li>Pick up your next read in our store</li><li>Create a collage inspired by our historic collections</li><li>Meet our staff and volunteers who make this work possible!</li></ul>We hope you visit our friends at <a href="https://www.touchstonegallery.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Touchstone Gallery</a>! From 1-3, create your own artwork based on the current exhibitions: <a href="https://www.touchstonegallery.com/exhibits-all/2023/dana-brotman" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">unleaving</a> and <a href="https://www.touchstonegallery.com/exhibits-all/2023/debra-perkins" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Lines Matter</a>. (all ages welcome but best for ages 3+). After On the Square ends, join Touchstone from 4 - 7 pm for the exhibition reception of <a href="https://www.touchstonegallery.com/exhibits-all/2023/debra-perkins" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Lines Matter: The Stories They Tell </a>by Debra Perkins and <a href="https://www.touchstonegallery.com/gallery-events/2023/10/14/dana-brotman-amp-debra-perkins-exhibition-reception" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">unleaving (to hold in mind what is and what was)</a> by Dana Brotman. Enjoy a complimentary beverage while you explore the gallery and listen to live jazz music from Alex Martin (guitar) and Eugenio Ibarz (bass).

<h3>REWARD CARD</h3>All attendees receive an On the Square reward card, offering discounts at the following local businesses:<ul><li>A free 0.2L beer at <a href="https://www.prostdc.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Prost DC </a></li><li>A free iced or drip coffee at <a href="https://abakedjoint.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">A Baked Joint</a></li><li>$﻿5 off at <a href="https://www.pearlsbagels.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Pearl's Bagels</a></li><li>1﻿0% off at <a href="https://www.stellinapizzeria.com/location/washington-dc-union-market-coming-soon/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Stellina Pizzeria</a> (K Street)</li><li>A d﻿iscount at the DC History Center store</li></ul>

<h3>R﻿EGISTRATION </h3>Pre-register by OCTOBER 10 to be eligible to receive MVT Bucks, allowing you to explore #LifeInMVT on the day of the event at <a href="https://www.mountvernontriangle.org/MVTBucks/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">participating retailers</a>, courtesy of the <a href="https://www.mountvernontriangle.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Mount Vernon Triangle CID</a>. MVT Bucks are limited to the first 50 pre-registered attendees to check-in at On the Square. One pre-registered attendee will also be selected for a $100 gift card courtesy of <a href="https://www.petitecerisedc.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Petite Cerise</a>.On the Square is more fun with friends! Walk-ins are welcome, so bring your friends! All attendees receive a reward card.

<h3>DONATE</h3>This community event is free, but your donation makes programs like this one possible. By donating as little as $5, you’ll help us reach our goal of $500 in donations. If you can, consider donating $10 or $15 to support our work. To be more deeply involved in our work, join our membership program!If you require accommodations for a disability, please email the DC History Center at programs@dchistory.org with your request at least two weeks before the program. We are committed to making events accessible for all participants. There will be photo and video taken at this event.

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