Photo by Adam Fagen
The Historical Society of Washington D.C. announced today that it will set up shop at the Newseum while its Carnegie Library home undergoes renovations and preparations for becoming an Apple flagship store.
The society’s library and collections, which feature D.C. history and culture, will be available beginning September 19 at the media-focused museum on Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
The society has been headquartered at Carnegie Library in Mount Vernon Square since 1999, when it entered a 99-year lease with the city for the building to be used as a museum. It also offers public programs, exhibitions, and publications.
In 2011, Events DC, the city’s semi-private events and convention authority, finalized its own lease on the building to allow for special events to take place. Events DC announced in July that it secured a deal for Apple to move in. The Historical Society will remain in the building, on the second floor.
“We are excited about the partnership with Apple and Events DC as it represents a giant step forward for the building and the Historical Society, but most critically, for our collections,” said John T. Suau, Historical Society executive director, in a release. “The Historical Society views this project as the best option for the building’s present and future.”
The D.C. Public Library Washingtoniana Collection, which is partnering with the Historical Society while the MLK Library is being renovated, will move to the Newseum as well.
When the Carnegie Library reopens, the Apple store will be primarily on the first level. In addition to selling products, the store will offer job training, programs for children, and public events.
The Historical Society will be on the second floor, with a renovated research library and two new galleries, among other additions.
But for the next 12 to 18 months, visitors will have a new spot to get their history fix. While there’s an admission fee for the Newseum, visitors of the Historical Society won’t be charged. They can can access the space for free by entering from the Newseum’s Group Entrance on C Street NW.
The society is also continuing its exhibit program at the The Textile Museum in Foggy Bottom in November and the National Building Museum next March.
