Mission & Vision

The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., is a community-supported educational and research organization that collects, interprets, and shares the history of our nation's capital. Founded in 1894, it serves a diverse audience through its collections, public programs, exhibitions, and publications.

Washington is known throughout the world as a monumental federal city. Less well-known are the stories of Washington's many diverse and vibrant communities. The Society helps make this local history easily accessible to the public to promote a sense of identity, place, and pride in Washington and to preserve this heritage for future generations.