Headquarters of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America

Dumbarton House “is…one of the very finest and most beautiful houses in the United States,” according to architectural historian Fiske Kimball, consulting architect for its original restoration. Dumbarton House 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 U.S. 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.

Today, 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.

This Month’s Events:

• Registration still open for 7 different Summer History Weeks Camps
  in August! Space is still available! (ages 3-12)
• June 30, 6:00 or 7:00pm, Dumbarton at Dusk: Curator's Tours
• July 11, 12:30-2pm! Tasting History: A Tasting Series for Families: Joseph Nourse's Birthday Party with Ice Cream
• Aug. 12, 12:30pm! Free Collections Conversations, a series of Brown Bag Briefings
• August 25-29 "Dolley at Dumbarton" Week! Details forthcoming.
• August 29, Dolley Family Day! Details forthcoming.
• Sep. 18-June 12! Upcoming Exhibition:Fran, have you Supplied the Table? Foods, Service, & Etiquette in the Federal Era
• Oct. 18-Nov. 22 Cotillion Classes: From Etiquette to Netiquette

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Click here for a pdf copy of our 2008 Annual Report.

DUMBARTON HOUSE GIFT SHOP