Open Day

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

Dig into DC history at the DC History Center's Open Day: get curious about collections, tour the Carnegie, and explore Mount Vernon Square!

Mount Vernon Square, located at 7th and K Streets NW, was included by Peter (Pierre) L’Enfant in the original city design as a gathering place, now at the crossroads of the local and federal city. The square has served Washingtonians as a market, a public library, a convention center, and is now home to the DC History Center—the only community-based nonprofit focused on the District’s history. On Saturday, October 15, get to know Mount Vernon Square and Downtown by spending the day with us! From 10 am to 4 pm, come play and learn the history of our city, meet your neighbors, and eat, drink, and shop local. During this special event, come see our mission in action!

<h3>OPEN DAY A﻿CTIVITIES</h3><ul><li>Browse the <a href="https://dchistory.org/library/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Kiplinger Research Library</a> and its DC history collections</li><li>Read together during Family Storytime (ages 3-8, but all are welcome!)</li><li>Hear from exhibit collaborators, including the <a href="https://bachelor-benedict.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Bachelor Benedict Club</a></li><li>Tour the Carnegie Library building</li><li>Walk Mount Vernon Square with <a href="https://www.otmdc.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Off the Mall Tours</a></li><li>Learn about the <a href="https://www.rainbowhistory.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Rainbow History Project</a>'s oral history work</li><li>Play along with our Building Bingo</li><li>Explore Mount Vernon Square on our Scavenger Hunt</li><li>C﻿halk the sidewalk with <a href="https://www.touchstonegallery.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Touchstone Gallery</a></li><li>Join a walking tour of Chinatown with the <a href="https://1882foundation.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">1882 Foundation</a></li><li>Spotlight local authors during quick, lightning talks</li><li>Create a button inspired by activists and changemakers</li><li>Shop our DC History Center store</li><li>Dance on the lawn with <a href="https://eventsdc.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">EventsDC</a></li><li>Meet the people who make this work possible!</li></ul>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 schedule and reward card for the day.

<h3>REWARD CARD</h3>Participate in activities to earn rewards at participating local businesses offering special Open Day discounts:<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>Buy two tacos, get one free at <a href="https://rebeltaco.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Rebel Taco</a></li><li>2﻿2% off $22 or more at the DC History Center Store</li><li>1﻿5% off your bill at Northern Liberty</li></ul>

<h3>R﻿EGISTRATION </h3>Registration will be available onsite, but sign up by October 14 for a chance to win the Open Day raffle! A full schedule of events will be available soon.

This community event is free, but your donation makes programs, like this one, possible. We appreciate your generous contribution at any amount. 
THE DC HISTORY CENTER is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization that 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. Visit us at <a href="https://dchistory.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.dchistory.org</a> and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @dchistory.

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Open Day

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