First, we have historic Haines directories, telephone books, and Lusk assessment directories. In our microfiche reading room we have directories covering:
Washington, DC (1861-1941, 1948, 1954, 1956, 1960(
Washington, DC Suburban (1912-1931)
What is nice about these is that there is a section that goes by street and address and an alphabetical section. So you can find out who lived at your address and what they did for a living (sometimes even where they worked).

We also subscribe to a database with the digitized Sanborn maps which are GREAT! as well as the Proquest database that has digitized the Washington Post (we have other databases that have digitized DC newspapers as well).

On our website we have something called Chronicling America which – for free – has a limited run of DC papers roughly from the turn of the century. For some more modern (mid-late 20th century) there is the Historic Building Survey which doesn’t have every house but does have lots of photos (your house may be there). What is nice about this is that there are write ups that talk about the development of the neighborhood (or reservation). The one for Lincoln Park (HABS NO. DC-677) is very interesting.

One thing to mention about the Historic Society is their fabulous Wymer Collection photos from mid century of the intersections of the city. I was able to see a photo of my house (I live on a corner) that validated what I though about the decorative elements on the front of the house.