Albert H. Small Center for National Capital Area Studies
The center houses an important collection of Washington, D.C., history, as well as a non-circulating library. Stop by during public hours or schedule a research visit to access books, serials and original maps, illustrative prints, newspapers, ephemera and more. You can also engage with us online: browse the entire collection on the collections website, follow the center's Evolution D.C. blog for student research or join our virtual D.C. Mondays programs for insights into Washington's history and culture.
Plan a Visit
The Albert H. Small Center for National Capital Area Studies is accessible to scholars, faculty, students and artists by appointment. Contact Curator Kasey Sease at [email protected] to discuss research opportunities and schedule a visit.
About the Collection
The Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection traces the founding and evolution of Washington, D.C., as a city and a national capital. It includes nearly 2,000 prints, maps, manuscripts, books, newspapers, broadsides and photographs. The collection was donated to the George Washington University in 2011 by real estate developer and philanthropist Albert H. Small. Browse the entire collection online
D.C. Mondays Programs
In this virtual series, authors, researchers and community members discuss Washington, D.C.’s history, politics, culture and more. Browse upcoming programs or watch videos of past programs.
Evolution D.C. Blog
Evolution D.C. is a platform for university students to share original research on the history and development of the nation’s capital. Drawing inspiration from the museum’s Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection, these short essays and insights connect past with present, exploring D.C.’s evolving neighborhoods, politics, art, culture and more. Visit the blog
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John Obilby, Nova Terrae Mariae Tabula, 1671, AS 707.
The Inauguration of President Garfield, Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, 1881, AS 89.
Philps & Solomons, Pass to attend impeachment in Congress of President Andrew Johnson, April 17, 1868, AS 817.
Edward Sachse (1804-1873), View of Washington City, 1871, AS 2.
