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Washington DC Photo Gallery Historical Society of...

Historical Society of Washington D.C.

Washington, DC is a very fascinating place brimming with unique stories: The Historical Society of Washington, D.C., serves the city, its residents and visitors as an educational institution that promotes knowledge of the past for better understanding of the future. The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. collects, preserves and shares the rich history of Washington, D.C.
Location: 800 K Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20001. The Historical Society is located on K Street, NW between 7th and 9th streets, NW in the historic Carnegie Library building at Mt. Vernon Square. It is directly across the street from the new Convention Center.
Hours and Admission: Admission to the Historical Society is Free. Our Exhibits and Kiplinger Research Library are open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm. The Historical Society is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Please check for information about Special Closings due to inclement weather or other events.
Due to very limited parking the HSW recommends you take Washington, DC Metro
[HSW is 2 blocks south of the Mount Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center Metro Station (yellow and green lines) and 2 blocks north of the Gallery Pl-Chinatown Metro station (red, yellow, and green lines). Use Metro's RideGuide for specific directions using Metrorail or Metrobuses.]

Historical Society of Washington, DC, located in the Carnegie Library

Built in 1899 by a grant from Andrew Carnegie, the Historical Society of Washington's Beaux-Arts style of architecture is a draw for many visitors and architecture fans visiting from around the world.

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Hand Sculpture at Historical Society of Washington

The sculpture was commissioned by activist Vincent DeForest in 1968 to become the centerpiece of an historical mural celebrating the African American struggle for civil
rights; the hand and mural together were intended to be part of the Poor...

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HSW entrance at 801 K St., NW, at Mt. Vernon Square

The entrance way to the grand old Carnegie library has several engraved stones above the arched entrance way which declare: "SCIENCE - POETRY - HISTORY." "This Building a Gift from Andrew Carnegie," "Washington Public Library," and "Dedicated to the...

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Bust of the Roman Goddess Pomona

Pomona is the goddess of plenty (note cornucopias on either side of bust) in Roman mythology. Her name comes from the Latin word meaning "fruit." Her triangle roof and floor are great examples of the architectural term "rustication."

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Cherubs, leaning

In classic Beaux-Arts style of architecture, cherubs are depicted in deteriorating marble, and as cherubs are the second highest Order of angels (below Archangels), they will happily see to your safety once in the building.

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Roman Goddesses on the Washington Historical Society

Directly above the arched main entrance to the Carnegie Library/WHS you will see Beaux-Arts building decoration depicting images of the Roman goddesses Pomona and Diana. Note the leisurely postures and the channeled rustication of the stonework.

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Rare Beaux-Arts clock

More than likely an original piece of the 112 year old building, this beautiful marble clock features cherubs gazing care-free into the Great Hall. Cherubs were said to have sat next to the throne of God.

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Marble building donated by a business titan

Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American steel tycoon, donated 1,689 libraries in the US alone. As an immigrant, Carnegie understood the need that people be able to "acquire knowledge to improve themselves." His philanthropic contributions would total...

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Washington DC Glass Paperweight *

You can purchase this extraordinary three dimensional laser paper weight at DC Gift Shop just inside the Carnegie Library

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