Open to the public since 1932, Dumbarton House is a Federal period historic house museum that serves as Headquarters for The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA.) Built circa 1800, Dumbarton House is a fine example of Federal period architecture and one of the few brick homes of its style still in existence in Georgetown. The first owner of the home, Joseph Nourse, was first Register of the U.S. Treasury and resided at “Cedar Hill” (as the home was then known) from 1804-1813.

LOCATION - Dumbarton House is located at 2715 Que Street, in Georgetown. The main entrance is on Que Street between 27th and 28th Streets. Limited parking is available (off 27th Street, at the corner of 27th & Q) and the museum is accessible to the handicapped.

THE COLLECTION - Visitors to Dumbarton House will see a wealth of furniture, paintings, textiles, silver, and ceramics that were made and used during the Federal period (1790-1830.) A number of objects in the collection and the bulk of manuscripts come from descendants of Joseph Nourse; a few items belonged to Nourse during his residence. The museum also displays an impressive collection of Chinese export porcelain; a carriage cloak and a set of china (over 100 pieces) that belonged to Eliza Custis Law, granddaughter of Martha Washington; a portrait of the Benjamin Stoddert children, by Charles Willson Peale, painted in Georgetown in 1789.

HOURS & ADMISSION - Tours are offered to the general public Tuesday through Saturday at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:15 a.m. & 1:15 p.m.. Reservations are not required. The museum is closed all Federal holidays. Admission fee: $5.00

GROUP TOURS - Group tours are available by appointment with special pricing for groups of ten or more. For more information, please contact the Education Director at
202-337-2288 x222.

PROGRAMS - Public programs include free lectures and concerts. Public school tours with accompanying workshops are provided to about 500 DCPS students annually.

EXHIBITIONS - “The Jewel of Georgetown, Dumbarton House celebrates seventy five years” will run through December 29th.

SPECIAL EVENTS - Dumbarton House is available for private and corporate functions including wedding receptions, dinners, lunches, meetings and conferences. Fees vary; please contact the Marketing and Events Manager at 202-337-2288 x230 for information.

Dumbarton House is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and learning from the past. This has been the mission of The NSCDA for over 100 years. Entering its second century, The National Society looks forward to continuing its nationwide commitment to historic preservation and education. The NSCDA is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.