WASHINGTON D.C. SITES
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Admission Charged
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Parking
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Handicapped Accesible
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Shop
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Group or Coach tour available upon request
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Rentals available
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Food Service
Old Stone House
3051 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 895-6000
https://www.nps.gov/rocr/learn/historyculture/old-stone-house-history.htm
The Old Stone House is the oldest house on its original foundation in the District of Columbia. The structure was used as both business and residence for over 200 years. Its existence is due to a case of mistaken identity--the building was mistaken for a tavern frequented by George Washington.
Peirce Mill
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2401 Tilden Street NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 895-6000
Two hundred years ago, Isaac Peirce began building a grist mill along Rock Creek. Today, Peirce Mill is the only working mill in Washington. The site is operated by the National Park Service, in partnership with the Friends of Peirce Mill.
As Peirce Mill enters its third century, the site offers a variety of free public programs, including mill tours, a summer square dance, a fall festival, hands-on children’s activities, and school field trips.
Admission is free, and the mill and barn are open from 10:00 to 4:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April through October. Milling demonstrations are offered from April through October on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, between 11:00 and 2:00. From November through February, the mill is open from noon to 4:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. In March, the mill is open on weekends from 10:00 to 4:00.
President Lincoln’s Cottage at Soldiers’ Home
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Upshur Street at Rock Creek Church Road, NW
Washington, DC 20011
202-829-0436
www.lincolncottage.org
For over a quarter of his Presidency, Abraham Lincoln lived on a picturesque hilltop in Northwest Washington, D.C., while making some of his most critical decisions. While in residence at the Cottage, Lincoln visited with wounded soldiers, spent time with self-emancipated men, women and children, and developed the Emancipation Proclamation. The human cost of the Civil War surrounded him, undoubtedly impacted his thinking, and strengthened his resolve to challenge the status quo. Through innovative guided tours, exhibits and programs, we use Lincoln’s example to inspire visitors to take their own path to greatness, and preserve this place as an authentic, tangible connection to the past and a beacon of hope for all who take up Lincoln’s unfinished work.
Tudor Place Historic House & Garden
Tudor Place Historic House & Garden preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and worked at this Georgetown landmark for nearly two centuries. By examining their legacy, we challenge ourselves and our visitors to celebrate the triumphs and to confront the complexities of the past. A model of Federal-period architecture in the nation’s capital, Tudor Place sits on 5 ½ acres in the heart of Georgetown and houses over 18,000 decorative objects, including the largest Washington Collection outside of Mount Vernon.
The White House
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1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20502
(202) 456-7041
Public tours of the White House are available for groups of 10 or more people. Requests must be submitted through one’s Member of Congress and are accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Fridays, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturdays (excluding federal holidays). Tour hours will be extended when possible based on the official White House schedule. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. We encourage you to submit your request as early as possible since a limited number of tours are available. All White House tours are free of charge. For the most current tour information, please call the 24-hour line at 202-456-7041. Please note that White House tours may be subject to last minute cancellation.
Anderson House – The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati
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2118 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 785-2040
Explore the Society of the Cincinnati’s historic headquarters, Anderson House, a National Historic Landmark in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Since 1938, the Society has made its headquarters at Anderson House, where it has worked to advance its mission to honor the men and women who won American independence in the Revolutionary War. Tours of the mansion reveal the history of the Society of the Cincinnati, the significance of the American Revolution, and the lives and collections of the home’s first owners, Larz and Isabel Anderson. The mansion was completed in 1905 for the Andersons, a wealthy couple who devoted their lives to public service, travel, entertaining, collecting, and philanthropy—interests and activities that are reflected in Anderson House, where much of the couple’s art collection and furnishings are still on display. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10-4 p.m and Sundays, 1 – 4 p.m. Guided tours begin at 15 minutes past each hour. Anderson House also offers a changing exhibition gallery, a research library, and an active calendar of public programs.
The David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History at Decatur House
Join us for tours of Decatur House, home of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History. Explore the house that was designed for naval war hero Stephen Decatur, Jr. by architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, its nearly 200-year-old history, its connections to the War of 1812, and its Slave Quarters, one of only a few remaining examples of slave quarters in an urban setting. Decatur House is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and operated by the White House Historical Association. Guided tours ours are offered Mondays at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Closed Federal Holidays.
Belmont-Paul Women's Equality NM
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144 Constitution Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 546-1210
Steps from the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court, the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, completed in 1799, is the headquarters of the historic National Woman’s Party and one of the premier women’s history sites in the nation. With more than 150 years of archives and artifacts from the suffrage and equal rights movement, this National Historic Landmark celebrates women’s long quest for citizenship and equality.
The Octagon
When the British burned the White House, President and Mrs. Madison moved into one of the most beautiful homes in Washington, D.C. A short block from the White House stands the Octagon, a National Historic treasure. One of the first great homes built in the new nation’s capital, the Octagon is a landmark of America’s architectural, political, and cultural history. Completed in 1801 for the eminent Tayloe family and designed by William Thornton, the original architect of the U.S. Capitol, the Octagon is one of the most significant and elegant buildings to remain standing from the early federal city. It was in the upstairs parlor that President Madison signed the Treaty of Ghent on February 17, 1815 establishing peace with Great Britain. In 1899, The American Institute of Architects chose the severely deteriorated building as its new national headquarters, initiating a series of state-of-the-art restorations. After over two centuries of use, adaptation, renovation, and restoration, the Octagon continues to serve as a reminder of the great beauty of early American design and the lasting value of architectural excellence. The Octagon is open Thursday through Saturday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm for self-guided tours. Guided tours are available with advanced reservations for $10/person. To arrange a guided tour, contact us at 202-626-7439 or octagonmuseum@aia.org.
1799 New York Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20006-5207
(202) 626-7439
The Monroe House – The Arts Club of Washington
In 1811, then Secretary of State James Monroe and his wife Elizabeth came to live at 2017 I Street, NW, and tastefully furnished it with objects acquired in Paris where Monroe had served as America’s minister. In March 1817, the house would gain greater importance when James Monroe was inaugurated as the nation’s fifth chief executive. During the first six months of the new administration, the president and his wife continued to make this their home until the White House was fully restored in September of that year. The first of Monroe’s Inaugural Balls was held in the spacious second-floor parlor. Following the President’s departure, the house was home to the British Legation. In 1877, the property was purchased by Cleveland Abbe. A renowned meteorologist, Abbe oversaw the establishment of the United States Weather Bureau and served as its first director. In 1916, Washington artists purchased the Monroe House. With a focus on painting, sculpture, music, literature, and drama, the Arts Club provided a contrast to Washington’s more traditional clubs. Uniquely, it was also the first club in the District to admit women as charter members. Today, the Arts Club remains a part of the vibrant Washington arts environment. Monthly exhibits in three of the Club’s galleries feature art by some of the nation’s brightest talents. A fourth gallery, the Spilsbury Gallery, showcases works by Art Club members. The Club’s stage and auditorium are the frequent venue for literary programs and musical performances. Many of the performances are open to the public.
Hours: The Arts Club of Washington is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, and during evening hours for scheduled events. The Arts Club is closed on Sunday, Monday and Holidays. Hours are subject to change.
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS
This was the first official headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), founded in 1935 by Presidential Advisor, Educator and Activist, Mary McLeod Bethune and the last Washington DC residence of Mary McLeod Bethune. It commemorates Bethune’s leadership and legacy in the black women’s rights movement from 1943 to 1949. Appropriately, the house that once served as headquarters for the NCNW contains the National Archives for Black Women’s History, the only institution in the United States solely dedicated to this purpose. The archival holdings include the personal papers of African American women, records of their organizations, and a collection of more than 4000 photographs that document African American women’s activities in the 20th century. Designated a National Historic Site by Congress in 1982 the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS became a unit of the National Park System in 1995.
The L. Ron Hubbard House Original Founding Church
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1812 19th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009-5501
202-234-7490
http://www.lronhubbard.org/heritage-sites/dc.html
Historically restored landmark location of the first church of Scientology where writer, explorer and founder L. Ron Hubbard worked from 1957-1960 to establish a legacy that increasingly influences human rights, religion, literature, business and education as well as fields such as drug rehabilitation, criminal reform and literacy. See his early life and the development of his work through his personal photographs and artifacts and historically restored rooms. The location is actually two homes of a six-unit row house development in the Dupont Circle National Register historic area. The homes, designed by renowned architect Waddy Wood in 1904, are representative of turn of the century inventive beaux-arts ecelectism. Free admission. You may schedule a personal tour but it is not required. Call for more information.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
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4155 Linnean Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-686-5807
www.hillwoodmuseum.org
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, the grand estate of Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, sits on 25 beautiful acres overlooking Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington, D.C. Bring friends and family to explore this fabulous gem—the art-filled Mansion, 13 acres of formal gardens, a greenhouse overflowing with orchids, and the HILLWOOD Café and Museum Shop. Free on-site parking.
Heurich House Museum
The Heurich House Museum preserves the legacy of Christian Heurich and enriches the cultural life of Washington, DC. The mansion was built from 1892-4 by German immigrant, local brewer, and philanthropist Christian Heurich (1842-1945). Recognized as Washington, D.C.’s most successful brewer, he ran the Chr. Heurich Brewing Co. until his death at 102. The mansion is notable for its technological innovations, original interiors, and rich archival collection of one of the most important local families. The museum, located in Dupont Circle, is open for regular public events and public tours Thursday through Saturday at 11:30 am, 1:00 and 2:30 pm. Private tours and event rentals are also available.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Freed black slave and civil rights leader Frederick Douglass lived in this house from 1877 to 1895. Collections include family furnishings, documents, and personal artifacts related to Douglass’ work.
Florida House on Capitol Hill
As the only state embassy in Washington, D.C., Florida House is proud to connect, celebrate and champion Florida to the world. Located just behind the Supreme Court, Florida House is a home away from home for Floridians and Floridians-at-heart. Open Monday through Friday, we offer a chance for guests to learn more about Florida, host dynamic events, and enjoy warm hospitality with a cold glass of orange juice.
Dumbarton House
Stately home of America’s first Register of the Treasury and Dolley Madison’s first stop while fleeing the British during the burning of Washington in 1814. Fine collection of Federal period decorative arts, textiles, fabrics, and furniture focused upon conveying a sense of life and values during the American Republic’s early years.
Woodley
Woodley, a Federal style manor house, was built in 1801 by Philip Barton Key, the only former Loyalist to achieve national prominence and win a seat in Congress. Woodley served as the summer White House for both Martin Van Buren and Grover Cleveland because of its cooler, higher elevation within Washington. In the 20th century, Woodley was home to a number of prominent Americans including George Patton and Henry Stimson. In 1950 it was bought and incorporated into Maret School. Tours are offered when school is not in session.
3000 Cathedral Avenue
Washington, DC 20008
http://www.maret.org/about_us/history/the_woodley_society/index.aspx
Woodrow Wilson House (National Trust)
Washington, D.C.’s only presidential museum is the home of Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) — educator, president, and world statesman — who founded the League of Nations and shaped the modern U.S. presidency. His public career and his life as a private citizen are traced in an impressive collection of White House objects, elaborate gifts of state from around the world, family items, and personal mementoes. Furnished as it was in Wilson’s time, the fashionable 1915 house just off Embassy Row is a living textbook of modern American life in the 1920s — from sound recordings to silent films, from flapper dresses to zinc sinks.