Bylines to Soundbites: A Holiday Party and Program

Join us for our annual holiday party featuring a program with DC journalist and social media influencer Austin Graff about the changing landscape of local news. 

ABOUT THIS EVENT

The shuttering of DCist. A downsized Washington Post Metro desk. A shrinking cable viewership. Where are Washingtonians getting their news?  

With the decline of these traditional mediums, platforms like 730DC and The 51st are on the rise, highlighting the value of grassroots and independent journalism to report on local issues and local history. Their work creates an essential record of the present for future generations and fosters a well-informed and connected community. This conversation with local journalists Austin Graff and Christina Sturdivant Sani on Wednesday, December 11 considers how changes in the production and consumption of local news affect how we get to know our city and learn its history.

5:00  Cocktail Hour (cash bar)
6:00  Program in West Gallery
6:45  Party in Memorial Hall (food provided, cash bar)

Austin Graff is an explorer, writer and founder of Curiosity & Connection, a social media and travel consultancy. He’s currently a contributing writer with The Washington Post, By The Way’s D.C. local guide and one of the co-leaders of IGDC, DC’s first Instagram community. Austin lives in Southeast DC with his wife, daughter and housemate.

Christina Sturdivant Sani is a prolific freelance journalist and proud DC native. She has written for nearly two dozen publications including The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, Washington City Paper, Bloomberg's CityLab, PBS, Zagat, Architect Magazine, Rails to Trails Magazine, and DCist. Before DCist shuttered—the first time in 2017—she wrote more than 1,600 breaking news and feature stories about life in The District.

ABOUT THE PARTY

Whether you are a regular program attendee, a member, a donor, a colleague, or a creative—we offer a warm holiday thank you for being part of the DC History Center community. Our cash bar opens at 5 pm for early program attendees and all local history lovers. One drink ticket will be provided to each DC History Center member. Following the 45-minute program in the West Gallery, we return to Memorial Hall to continue the conversation with light bites and beverages.

PROGRAM DETAILS

This event is open to the public, but registration is required. Whether you plan to attend the program, the party, or both, all guests register via Humanitix. Registration may be cut off if interest exceeds capacity.  

West Gallery Doors close promptly at 6 pm, and there will be no late entry. Please note that registration does not guarantee a seat during the program. If you are late, or if we reach fire-code mandated capacity before 6 pm, we will not allow guests into the West Gallery. However, to accommodate all interested attendees, late guests can gather in the Kiplinger Research Library to view the program via livestream.  

If you require accommodation for a disability, email us at programs@dchistory.org. Please give us two weeks' notice to best meet your needs. We are committed to making events accessible for all participants. There will be photo and video taken at this event. 

DONATE

At the DC History Center, we believe that understanding our past is more than just something you study in books—it’s a personal journey. Our programs, collections, and research library connect visitors to the intimate stories that shape Washington, DC, from uncovering family histories to exploring neighborhood landmarks. Make your end of year donation at registration to keep these stories alive for generations to come.

DC HISTORY CENTER PROGRAMS ARE SUPPORTED BY: 

Banner photo credits (left to right): 
WT 054B.5        |  Reporter Bill Henry at home with a displayed newspaper.
CHS 15057.012  |  Unidentified men's organization social gathering on ship. Reading news of the Lusitania sinking.
L1985.002.08    |  Christian Heurich seated in a wicker chair in bedroom, reading a newspaper.

Graphic photo credits (left to right): 
Shedrick Pelt book event, February 24, 2023, courtesy, Jah Alexander (@jah_alexander).
Back to School Bash, September 26, 2024 courtesy, Candace Dane.
CHS 12660.22    |   Opening ceremony of the new Hechinger Company hardware store #1.