●D.C. Public Library (●paper, microfilm and online)
www.dclibrary.org/research/collections
The Washingtoniana Division at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library houses city directories from 1822 to 1973 that include the occupation of each homeowner, permits to build homes and additions from 1877 through 1949 (permits to build after 1949 are at the D.C. Archives), more than 8,000 maps dating from 1612, daily newspapers from 1800, the Washington Star's photo collection, and private family, neighborhood and organizations' papers and records.
City directories from 1822 to 1973 are on microfilm. From 1914 on, there's a crisscross feature in the back. In addition to names and addresses, the directory includes race and occupation. Building permits for the years 1877 to 1949 are also on microfilm.
The Washingtoniana Division includes Baist and Hopkins plat maps. Older plat maps are quite beautiful with painted water colors. (The Library of Congress has some of the early maps online, but some find it cumbersome to zoom and slide.)
The collection of the Washington Star's clippings and photos isn't digitized, but the index is in progress. With 1.3 million photos taken between the 1950s and 1981, there's a decent chance that there's a photo of your street or neighborhood.
The Peabody Room at the Georgetown Library holds materials about the history of Georgetown, including photos, maps and more.
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