Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square is one of three new exhibits in the DC History Center. This small exhibit is about the history of the iconic landmark 1903 Carnegie Library in Washington, D.C. Produced in partnership with Apple, the exhibit is located in the Carnegie Gallery on the lower level. History tells us that when it opened in 1903, this room originally served as the “bicycle room”.

With its dramatic Rafael Guastavino ceramic ceilings, the exhibit hall includes sixteen images. Each one benchmarks a moment in the building’s 115-year history, including conceptual designs and blueprints. The exhibit documents seventy years of use as the public library, and it ends with the renovations by Apple.

To complement the two exhibits, the Historical Society partnered with Smartify to deploy content via mobile devices. Visitors can scan any one of the 16 images in the exhibit to learn the story behind each image.

The partnership with Smartify has resulted in increased visibility of the DC History Center. Similarly, the app allows users to support the organization via a link to donate or join as a member.