Who we are

Founded in 1999 by Edna Johnston and based in Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, DC, History Matters unites the research, writing, and analytical skills of professional historians, architectural historians, and historic preservation planners. History Matters works throughout the United States.

What distinguishes History Matters is our approach. We integrate historical and architectural research to create products that are substantive, thorough, accessible, and that meet our clients' specific needs.

We are committed to our clients. That, and our dedication to research and clear writing, are History Matters’ greatest strengths.

Black and white photo of a train station with a train on the tracks, labeled Grand Canyon. Two historic buildings are in the foreground, one with a Coca-Cola sign and a bicycle outside, and the other a brick house with multiple windows. Trees surround the station and buildings.

Notable projects: From top: Grand Canyon Village (National Historic Landmark District, Cultural Landscape Report), Watson's Store, Peers Hotel/Laurel Brigade Inn, Leesburg, Virginia (from the book, Exploring Leesburg: Guide to History and Architecture).

Awards

History Matters has earned several prestigious awards in the field of Historic Preservation: the DC Mayor's Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation; the Historic Hawai'i Foundation's Historic Preservation Commendation; and the Award for Outstanding Preservation Plan by the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association, for the Liberia House Master Plan (Manassas, VA). The master plan was created by Rhodeside & Harwell and History Matters.

Clients

A logo with the text 'A=COM' in block letters.
Close-up of a logo with the text 'LCOR' in a circle design.
Logo for the government of Washington DC showing the text 'DC.gov' and stars.
Seal of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia featuring a clock tower building.
Logo for EYA neighborhood development reading 'the neighborhoods of EYA'.
Logo of the Library of Congress.
The logo for Forest City with stylized lettering.
PNC Bank logo with the slogan 'Leading the Way'
Logo for J Davis showing the text 'JD DAVIS' .
Logo for the town of Purcellville with stylized text and star above the 'i'

Contact us

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