Mount Vernon Square in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Central Public Library
Mount Vernon Square
| | African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC | |
Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, September 18, 2008
1. Central Public Library Marker
This majestic building was opened in 1903 as the Central Public Library, popularly known as the Carnegie Library because Andrew Carnegie donated funds to build it. From the start Central was open to all. Mary Church Terrell and historian John Cromwell spoke here regularly, and materials on African American history and culture were especially useful to teachers preparing for Negro History Week (now Black History Month). In 1972 the library moved to Ninth and G Streets, NW, and was renamed to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This building became part of the University of the District of Columbia, and today houses the Historical Society of the District of Columbia.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail, the Carnegie Libraries, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Mary Church Terrell series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 38° 54.169′ N, 77° 1.379′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named For the Working People (within shouting distance of this marker); Words and Deeds (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington, DC Walk of Fame (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Roots of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral / Remembering "the Village" (about 600 feet away); The Place to Shop (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Power Brokers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Blanche K. Bruce House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Friendship Archway (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Other markers no longer nearby. For the Working People (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Power Brokers (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . . Carnegie Library. (Submitted on September 18, 2008, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota.)
Additional commentary.
Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, September 17, 2008
2. Central Public Library Marker on rear entrance to Historical Society of Washington Museum
1. About the Central Public Library Building
As of 2025, the Central Public Library Building houses an Apple Store as well as the DC History Center.
— Submitted November 9, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Additional keywords. UDC, HBCUs
Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, September 16, 2008
3. Historical Society of Washington, D.C. Building with Hand Sculpture in the foreground
Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer, September 16, 2008
4. Central Public Library now the Historical Society of Washington, D. C. Home
Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2008, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 2,040 times since then and 7 times this year. Last updated on May 10, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 18, 2008, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
