When the City Museum closed its door in late 2004 after a mere 18 months in existence, the one place to go for a comprehensive history of Washington, D.C. disappeared. But for those of you interested in the city’s history, the next few days should be quite satisfying — it’s time for the annual Washington Studies Conference. The conference, now in its 34th year, kicks off tomorrow at The Carnegie Library building (801 K Street,…

Written by DCist contributor Genevieve Smith. In a deal brokered by the District government, the historic Carnegie Library will soon house the National Music Center (NMC), replacing the ill-fated City Museum of Washington and putting an end to speculation that it would re-open later this year after abruptly closing in 2004. Though Mayor Williams announced that the deal will be beneficial for both the NMC and the Historical Society of Washington (HSW), which ran the…

Last night a handful of DCists and their plus ones ventured to the City Museum to “succumb to a night of pleasure and bliss” (as the invitation instructed) and witness the unveiling of Heineken’s new Premium Light. After entering through a receiving line of beer, we knew the night was off to a good start. We mingled, we ate fried balls of goat cheese, and we waited with bated breath for the big reveal. The…

One event, two days, and more genres and activities than you can shake a tambourine at. And you can learn how to properly shake a tambourine. The Gig, a “Multicultural Winter Celebration” brings together performances ranging from stilt walkers to pan pipers (and everything beyond and in between), with lessons in becoming culturally inclined yourself. The Gig is Dec 26 & 27, from noon to 4p.m., and we can’t think of a better way to…

It was exactly one year ago today that the long-awaited news came through — baseball was coming back to the District. Amidst festive supporters singing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame,” D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams rose to a podium at the now gone City Museum, a red Nationals hat perched upon his head. This was his moment, his legacy, and he was ready to savor it. One year later, the Washington Nationals are games…

When DCist theorized that Mt. Vernon Square was ripe for hotel development last month, we realized we were stating the obvious. And an article that appeared yesterday on real estate website GlobeSt.com confirmed what many knew was coming: the effort to secure space for a hotel serving the new Convention Center has begun. The Washington Convention Center Authority has purchased a half-acre at 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW, including the offices of the United Association of…

Despite our lack of a W, D.C. sure has its share of fancy-shmancy boutique hotels. And that’s predominantly because of the Kimpton Group, who operate six hotels in D.C. — their second largest metropolitan hub after their headquarters in San Francisco. As Metrocurean says, the Kimpton Group has done a great job taking ugly D.C. buildings and transforming them not only into swank hotels, but also spaces with fun bars/lounges and fine dining. And now…

Don’t forget to check out the music picks for this weekend; they include Clem Snide, Secret Machines, Lou Barlow, and Ambulance Ltd. Otherwise, read on! FRIDAY: >> The D.C. Independent Film Festival continues tonight at the City Museum with themes including “Cinema of the Surreal” and “Scary Movies.” Discussion with the filmmakers take place after the screenings. We posted more information about the festival last week. SATURDAY: >> Into old things? Then boy, oh boy…

The sixth annual Washington D.C. Independent Film Festival (the “Ground Zero of Washington D.C.’s Indie Scene” according to their website) kicks off March 2 at the City Museum. The festival includes a smorgasbord of films including features, documentaries, shorts, and animation by local, national and international filmmakers. DCIFF’s opening night includes the world premiere of “Aryan Couple ,”a feature-length film by John Daly, the pioneer of independent film financing. (His previous productions include “Platoon,” and…

Today will be mostly cloudy and windy with temps in the 40s. The photo is from D.C. Indymedia, where a poster reports three activists were arrested at the Supreme Court during a protest of U.S. sanctioned torture. Mayor Williams Eases Fears of Bioterrorism Lab: Mayor Williams told a skeptical D.C. Council a proposed Level 3 bioterrorism lab would have no “significant impact” on its neighborhood, adding “We’re not talking about bringing Area 51 from Nevada.”…