Dumbarton House050

Dumbarton House, described as "...one of the very finest and most beautiful houses in the United States," by architectural historian Fiske Kimball, reflects the emerging Adamesque style of architecture of the early Republic, and has an outstanding collection of Federal period furniture and decorative arts.

Built during the tumultuous presidencies of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the house has been restored to show it as it might have appeared during the time of its first resident, Joseph Nourse, who served as Register of the US Treasury for the first six Presidents of the United States. The museum presents an unusual opportunity to catch a glimpse of what life was like in Washington during the early days of the Republic.

Dumbarton House offers public and school tours, special exhibitions, lectures and concerts, children's days, and holiday open houses relating to the Federal period. Its beautiful Belle Vue Room and outdoor gardens are available for private and corporate rentals.

Docent-led tours begin with a short video describing the history of the house and its varied owners. Guests can view all seven museum rooms of the house, as well as the temporary exhibit gallery. Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 10:15am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, and 1:15pm. A tour of the house generally lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Dumbarton House offers a summer program for children (ages 5-8), Party into the Past, a week-long, history-themed day camp. For registration and information call 202.337.2288 ext. 222, or email karendaly@dumbartonhouse.org.

Campers participate in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities to experience life in Georgetown households about 200 years ago, when our nation's capital was founded. Children sample and help cook historic snacks and drinks, perform early American and African-American dances, experiment with making music, paint watercolor portraits and sketch from nature, try on period clothing, explore a historic garden, plant seeds, identify flowers, construct crafts, practice Federal manners and movement, play with historic games and toys, and more. The week culminates in a Federal-style "parlor party" that campers host - parents and other special guests are welcome to this celebration.