Historic site & museum. Book your visit to the post-presidential home of Woodrow Wilson, 1856-1924. OFFICE HOURS 9-5. TOUR HOURS: All house tours are guided.
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The President Woodrow Wilson House is a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is a museum and event space located in the heart of Kalorama in Washington, DC. Book your group, private or specialty tour on our website. Edith and Woodrow Wilson moved into this house when they left the White House in 1921. It has been preserved for 100 years. Very little has changed, except
the conversation. Our tours, programs and events give a special glimpse into the private life of Woodrow Wilson while addressing his complex and consequential legacy. An honest appraisal of history helps us understand ourselves as a nation and as a people.
Don't forget to join us for spooky speaker session tomorrow at the Wilson House! Dr. Mark Benbow will explain how the Wilsons attempted to commune with the dead. Doors open at 6pm | $15/person
Register here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/woodrowwilsonhouse/items/489904/?full-items=yes&flow=325398
Want to learn more about Edith Wilson's history with Ouija Boards, séances, and her attempts to contact Woodrow Wilson after his death in 1924? Join us on 10/25 @ 6pm for a lecture at the Wilson House given by Dr. Mark Benbow. Artifacts from the museum collection will be on display.
Reserve your space now: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/woodrowwilsonhouse/items/489904/?full-items=yes&flow=325398
"L'Esperance," the portrait that hangs in the President Woodrow Wilson House Drawing Room, was painted by Armenian artist, Hovsep Pushman, in 1916. It depicts the artist’s niece in traditional Armenian dress holding a white flower, which symbolizes everlasting hope for the Armenian people. The portrait was given to President Woodrow Wilson in 1917 in recognition of the philanthropic help the United States gave to Armenia during their tragic genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire from 1915-1916. The President Woodrow Wilson House of Washington, D.C. is proud of its connection to Armenia and remains an ally today.
October's Vintage Game Night is almost here. We want to see you on the croquet field (a.k.a. the Woodrow Wilson House garden) tomorrow night, October 4! This is your reminder to meet at 2340 S Street NW, Washington DC 20008 for a fun night of vintage games, garden competition, and a stroll through a 1920's time capsule. There are still two tickets left for the Prohibition Tour at 4:30pm. Snag them before they are gone!
Buy tickets here:
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/woodrowwilsonhouse/items/264976/?full-items=yes&flow=325398
What is Putin planning? Join the discussion with Dr. Mary Habeck at the Woodrow Wilson House on S Street tomorrow night, 9/27, starting at 6 PM. All proceeds go towards supporting the Woodrow Wilson House Speaker Series.
Register at www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org.
Read up about historic Otis elevators (including the one at Wilson House) in Washington, DC in this article from our friends at District Fray Magazine!
Mark the 170th anniversary of the first Otis elevator with some notable elevators around D.C. September 20 marks the 170th anniversary of when Elisha Otis sold the first elevators with his patented safety brake (an innovation for which we’re all grateful). Although much of the early elevator’s h...
There is less than a week until Part 2 of Mary Habeck's discussion on the crisis in Russia and Ukraine. Join us at the Woodrow Wilson House on S Street, NW for another fascinating dive into the background of this traumatic conflict.
Click here for tickets: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/woodrowwilsonhouse/items/488209/?full-items=yes&flow=325398
Join us and Prof. Lee Huebner at the Woodrow Wilson House on 9/21 @ 6pm for a discussion about “fake news” and the early analysis of propaganda in the Wilson presidency! Register at www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org.
Last chance for tomorrow's Prohibition Tour & Vintage Game Night tickets! Start your happy hour early with Dr. Mark Benbow's exclusive tour (4:30-5:30pm). Grab your tickets here:
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/woodrowwilsonhouse/items/264976/?full-items=yes&flow=325398
The September 6 Vintage Game Night (5:30-8pm) is right around the corner! Add the new Prohibition Tour (4:30-5:30pm) for a combo ticket for only $40! https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/woodrowwilsonhouse/items/264976/?full-items=yes&flow=325398
What were the strategies for staying cool in the past? To unravel these mysteries, we turned to our National Trust Historic Sites, delving into the past to uncover the ingenious methods they employed to combat the heat.
Back to basics - what we do. Exploring history has never been this immersive! Join us online for a journey through time with our virtual museum tours, recorded speaker series and comprehensive projects and lesson plans. We are all about the human interaction at the museum, but sometimes you just can’t get to us. So, step into the past with 3-D art exhibits, fascinating and powerful exhibits on suffrage and guided house tours. There's something captivating for everyone. Be a part of history without leaving home. Check out our website, ⬆️ link in bio. #3-d
Back to basics- what we do: TOURS! Step into history with our 5 unique self-guided walking tours, each a journey through time. Put on your sneakers and explore the streets where history was made.
And of course you can Book a Guided Tour! Dive deep into history with our General Tour and eight Specialty Tours that cater to a wide range of interests, from architecture enthusiasts to political buffs. These immersive experiences continue to captivate and educate.
Check out our website, link in bio ⬆️ Buy your walking tour and book your guided tour.
Ok, full disclosure - you won’t see Wilson on the front step of the museum. Photo, LoC, Wilson on November 11, 1923 greeting crowds.
Back to basics. Who we are, what we do. Our Impact. Each year the Wilson House applies for (and is awarded) grants to support our mission. Our projects impact hundreds of students, teachers, researchers, and museum-goers of all ages.
Over the past decade, the Wilson House’s efforts have impacted more than 100,000 visitors to our website, and 10,000 visitors a year to our historic site, earning us a 4.8/5 rating from visitors. Each year, 10+ Wilson House Scholars work on meaningful projects shared with the wider community through Scholars in Action. We serve hundreds of DC-based teachers, as well as teachers following the National Standards for Civics & Government with our online lesson plans. This year over 75 Girl Scouts learned about civics, suffrage, and democracy. Urban explorers from all over the world visit our exhibitions and over 12,000 sets of eyes view our website each month! Check out our Link in bio to learn more about
Back to Basics:
Who we are, what we do-
Acknowledgment of Native Ancestral Lands
Acknowledging our past and telling a fuller American story are critical to our mission. Despite being a historic site for over 100 years, there is an even greater and longer history of Native Americans who lived on the land that today sits the President Wilson House.
We acknowledge the ancestral lands of the Nacotchtank (Anacostan) peoples. The people of Nacotchtank (from which the name Anacostia is derived), or Anacostans, were an Algonquian-speaking people. Nacotchtank was a large American Indian village located in the Washington area and is believed to have been a major trading center. Learn more about Native Peoples of Washington, DC here: National Park Service, Native Peoples of Washington, DC.
We encourage you to use this native lands map so you can learn what lands you occupy—visit: native-land.ca
Back to Basics this week:
Who we are, what we do-
Statement on Racial and Social Justice
Historical places of all types and periods should be sites of truth-telling and inclusivity. At the Wilson House, we employ the dual lenses of the 28th president’s administration and the early 20th century to explore America’s past and present from multiple intersecting perspectives.
Our public programs, such as the 15th Point Project, explore the African American response to the Wilson administration’s segregation of the federal workforce.
An ongoing Speaker Series invites thinkers from diverse backgrounds to discuss topics ranging from the Color Line in Wilson’s America to Korean immigration at the turn of the century.
Our in-person exhibitions, including the Victory Garden and Suffrage Outside, spotlight the stories of the Black, immigrant, and Native American women who shaped the American story, while an exhibition of Helen Zughaib’s work, Migrations, highlighted the contemporary consequences of the post-WWl peace through the lens of the current Syrian conflict and the mass migration it has triggered.
Through our programs, exhibitions, and tours – in everything we do – we aspire to explore history as a way to understand the progress we have made and the vast and challenging work that must still be done to combat racial and social injustice.
We welcome your suggestions on how we can continue to grow in our pursuit of social and racial justice, as well as guidance on how we can help create a more perfect union. Please contact us at [email protected].
Back to basics this week:
Who we are, what we do-
Our Vision:
We use the backdrop of a historic house museum in the heart of Washington, D.C. to serve as a community resource, a hub for conversation that explores current social, racial, political, and economic issues through the lens of history. We use this platform to examine our civil liberties and ideals that unite us as Americans. We are a trusted place to learn from the past. We are a catalyst of change by confronting our history.
Back to basics this week:
Who we are, what we do-
Our motto:
Historic perspectives – Modern initiatives
Our Mission:
We are a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We preserve and steward the house, collections, landscapes, and its full and dynamic history, and use them to provide forward-thinking and inclusive discussions, programs and community activities that are relevant today.
We love our Scholars and our Scholars Coordinator! We also like thank you notes … you
Keeping cool 😎 part 5:
Finally, one of the simplest ways for Woodrow Wilson and his family to stay cool during the summer was to escape the intolerable Washington D.C. heat and head north. They would travel up the coast to the New Jersey shore to stay in their summer home the “Shadow Lawn Estate.” Here is an example of a railroad ticket to the Shore during those hot summer months.
Keeping cool 😎 part 4: The Wilsons also owned a state-of-the-art ice chest that employed a huge block of ice used to keep food items cold after the delivery. Isaac and Mary Scott, the couple in service to the Wilsons, had to use a huge pair of tongs to quickly get the ice in the chest though. Otherwise, they would be looking at a puddle on the floor and a much smaller ice block. After the block had been delivered, perhaps the easiest way to cool off was to just climb in the ice chest itself!
Keeping cool 😎 part 3
The Woodrow Wilson House also includes features like high ceilings and a storage room that vents to the roof. High ceilings create a sense of spaciousness, but also serve a functional purpose in hot climates. As heat rises, the increased vertical space allows hot air to accumulate near the ceiling, keeping the lower levels of the room relatively cooler. The storage room that vents to the roof has a series of windows on three sides, each with a pull to open and close, to allow hot air to escape. These windows, placed as the highest open-air space on the second floor, are designed to remain open, allowing hot air to escape while facilitating the entry of fresh air from outside. This architectural detail further aids in maintaining a pleasant and well-ventilated interior.
Keeping cool 😎 part 2: Like many great houses of the 1920s and from earlier periods, the house incorporates various architectural features to facilitate air circulation. One such element is the presence of numerous large windows throughout the building. These windows, often placed opposite each other, were strategically positioned to take advantage of cross-ventilation. Note the window in the solarium, which opens onto a staircase. It is opposite the large windows to the front of the house. By opening windows on opposite sides of a room, a refreshing breeze could flow through, carrying away stagnant hot air and replacing it with cooler air from the outdoors. This natural ventilation system helped maintain a comfortable indoor environment without the need for mechanical assistance. National Trust for Historic Preservation cool
If you have been to Washington, D.C. during the summer months, you know that it is not easy to stay cool! From tourists to locals, we all rush from one air-conditioned location to the next to avoid the 100% humidity and intense sunlight. If the summer weather is almost unbearable in 2023, can you imagine a summer in Washington, D.C. in 1923? The Wilsons at 2340 S Street, NW employed a few techniques that enabled them to tolerate the heat without air conditioning or a multiple of electrical fans.
The President Woodrow Wilson House, designed by architect Waddy Butler Wood and built in 1915, stands as a remarkable example of early 20th-century residential architecture. Beyond its historical significance, the house also showcases innovative design elements that allowed it to remain cool during the summer months. In an era predating modern air conditioning, understanding the process of air circulation in this historic house provides a fascinating glimpse into architectural ingenuity of over 100 years ago. Stay tuned this week for some intel on how they did it!
From a guest who downloaded our self-guided walking tour of Kalorama! Get out there and take a walk today - “Exploring Kalorama on foot was an absolute delight! 😍 From historic residences to stunning embassies, every step was a journey through time and elegance. The picturesque streets, lush gardens, and charming stories made this walking tour an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend it!” Get yours ⬆️ link in bio National Trust for Historic Preservation
Calling all scholars! We’re excited to share our “Scholars in Action” page on our website, dedicated to showcasing the incredible work and achievements of scholars at the President Woodrow Wilson House. Follow along as we highlight their research, publications, and contributions to the fields of presidential studies, history, museum studies, collections, curatorial and museum management. Join our WWH Coordinator, Stacey Wilson McMahon and the entire Woodrow Wilson team in celebrating their commitment to knowledge and excellence! Applications being accepted right now by for Fall Semester starting Monday, September 11. Send your résumé and cover letter telling us 1. why the Woodrow Wilson House, 2. what you want to learn at the Woodrow Wilson House, and 3. what you want to teach us at the Woodrow Wilson House to [email protected] or directly to the Scholar Coordinator at [email protected] open to high school, undergraduate and graduate students for both remote and onsite participation.
We are delighted to announce that Felice Herman has joined our historic Woodrow Wilson House as the Deputy Director!
With great pleasure, we welcome Felice to our team, knowing that her extensive experience and expertise will enrich our mission of preserving and sharing the legacy of President Woodrow Wilson. As Deputy Director, Felice will play a vital role in guiding our organization's strategic direction and overseeing various aspects of our operations.
Felice brings a deep understanding of historic preservation, museum management, and community engagement. Her passion for history and commitment to creating immersive and educational experiences will undoubtedly enhance the visitor experience at Woodrow Wilson House.
Together, we are excited to embark on new initiatives, develop engaging programs, and ensure that Woodrow Wilson's impact on American history remains accessible and relevant to all. Felice's expertise will be instrumental in furthering our mission and deepening our connection with visitors, scholars, and history enthusiasts alike.
Please join us in giving Felice a warm welcome!
Congratulations to our Outstanding Scholars!
We're thrilled to celebrate the amazing service of Savannah Brooks, Benjamin Solomon, and Michael Faeges during the recent summer program at the Wilson House! Their dedication and hard work have truly enriched the experience for all visitors and brought our historic house to life!
You can catch our talented scholars on our website Learn With Us! https://woodrowwilsonhouse.org/scholar-program/ See: Scholars in Action page. Witness firsthand how students beautifully blend history and storytelling to create an unforgettable experience for everyone who steps through our doors!
Ready to be a part of this awesome program? The Fall semester starts in September- just around the corner - and we're currently interviewing for the fall cohort. If you have a passion for history and a desire to share your talents, send your résumé and cover letter to [email protected]
Join our community of dedicated scholars and embark on an enriching journey of preserving and promoting our nation's historical heritage!
Hurry! Applications are open, and we can't wait to welcome new scholars to the Wilson House family! &Pucher
! In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson was leading the nation, making history with his policies and vision. Meanwhile, the adorable Kewpie doll, designed by the talented artist Rose O’Neill, captured hearts worldwide with its charm!
Fast forward to today, and we have another iconic figure taking the stage - Barbie! 💁♀️ Since her debut in 1959, she’s been a symbol of empowerment and fashion-forward fun for generations of kids and collectors alike.
It’s amazing to see how cultural icons have evolved over time, leaving their mark on different eras! Celebrating the legacies of these influential figures and cherish the memories they’ve brought us! We are checking out our collection today to see if we have a Kewpie- with over 8400 items in the collection, who knows? Do you have a Kewpie?
🦈 It’s Shark Week- let's take a plunge into the past and Dive into History: The Original Shark Week was during President Woodrow Wilson's Administration!
In 1916, shark sightings and encounters were making headlines across the nation, sparking discussions in newspapers, scientific communities, and even at the White House and in cabinet meetings! Fun fact, there is notable evidence, and serious debate, that a Shark attack on the Jersey Shore (where Wilson enjoyed keeping cool in the summer) cost Wilson the state in the presidential election!
We celebrate the original Shark Week, honoring the spirit of exploration, appreciation for the wonders of our oceans and fascination with the majestic creatures of the deep blue sea. Tell us what YOU think- can sharks take a chomp out of votes?
A Memorable Day at Woodrow Wilson House!
This summer we had the honor of hosting the brilliant Ronald Reagan Institute scholars at the historic Wilson House. It was a day filled with engaging discussions, historical insights, and the joy of learning. Our guest speaker Dr Benbow led a fascinating discussion on leadership.
But that's not all - amidst the excitement, a heartwarming reunion took place! In talking to some students, Executive Director Elizabeth Karcher discovered a fellow Mount Saint Mary alumna, Ella Robinson, in attendance. Even with 64 students on site, Mounties always find one another! 🎓
The camaraderie and connection among all the students and Wilson House team was terrific.
We're proud to be a place where knowledge and history bring people together, forging lasting friendships and creating unforgettable memories.
Thank you to all the scholars for making this event so memorable.
National Trust for Historic Preservation Mount Saint Mary Academy Ronald Reagan Institute - RRI Elizabeth Karcher
Cosplay Extravaganza at Woodrow Wilson House!
An absolute blast was had by all as cosplay players graced the historic Woodrow Wilson House in all their beautiful and fabulous COSTUMES! The sight of historical and fantasy characters coming together in this grand setting was a true marvel.
From elegant Victorian-era personas to whimsical fantasy creatures, every cosplayer brought their A-game, turning the Woodrow Wilson House into a living canvas of creativity! It was an unforgettable experience to see history and fiction intertwine in such a magical way.
A special shoutout to all the talented cosplayers who attended and embraced the spirit of the event, making it an incredibly fun and memorable day. Your passion and enthusiasm lit up the halls of this presidential heritage site like never before!
If you missed this epic gathering, don't worry! Keep an eye out for future events at the Woodrow Wilson House, where history and cosplay collide in the most enchanting way possible. Until then, stay fabulous, fellow cosplayers!
Join us in extending a warm welcome to Edith Michel, a new member of the Woodrow Wilson House team!
We are thrilled to have Edith join us as she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for history to our organization. As our new team member, Edith will be contributing her expertise in curatorial work, preserving artifacts, and creating engaging exhibitions for our visitors.
Edith's dedication to preserving the legacy of Woodrow Wilson and her commitment to sharing his impactful story align perfectly with our mission. Her enthusiasm for connecting visitors with history will undoubtedly enhance the experience of all those who visit our historic house.
Please join us in giving Edith a warm welcome! We look forward to the valuable contributions she will make to the Woodrow Wilson House and the meaningful experiences she will help create for our visitors.
Stay tuned for exciting updates on upcoming exhibits and events that Edith will be instrumental in bringing to life. Let's together celebrate the preservation of history.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
https://youtu.be/Uo-2FB46-UE
Thank you for this 20 min documentary on the museum!
In this episode of DomoNaut, I sit down with Wilson House's Executive Director for a behind-the-scenes historic tour of president Wilson's residence. Wilson ...
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-first/id1222114325?i=1000604779857
Thank you, NPR
Happy the Woodrow Wilson House could host the interview!
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Show Up First, Ep The Sunday Story: America's first female president? - Mar 19, 2023
2340 S Street, NW
Washington D.C., DC
20008
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 12pm - 3pm |
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