https://www.dar.org/collections/museum
One of the most beautiful libraries in Washington is just off the National Mall. The Daughters of the American Revolution library and museum is a quiet respite from the hordes that crowd the other DC museums.
History
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is one of the oldest women’s organizations in the country. Founded in 1890, it has over 1 million members and promotes historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its headquarters in Washington, DC is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
Part of its headquarters, Memorial Continental Hall, was built in 1905, and in 1921, it hosted one of the most important diplomatic events held in the United States, the Conference on the Limitation of Armament. First Lady Florence Harding attended almost every day of the four month conference, sitting in the elaborate balconies. This hall now houses the DAR library.
The headquarters also hosts a small museum and provides decorated period rooms sponsored by the various state DARs. It’s most well known for its large concert hall, Constitution Hall.
Visit
The museum is open every day except Sunday and is free. It makes the perfect air-conditioned stop after slogging through the National Mall!
After going through security, you can enter the museum rooms where there are many historical decorative artifacts (including a dress worn by the singer Marian Anderson who was not allowed to perform at Constitution Hall since she was black – Eleanor Roosevelt ended up asking her to perform at the White House instead).
There is also a rotating exhibit area which is now full of Jane Austen-era gowns!
I loved all of the shoes and gloves, noticing little details that are so neat.
Kids will enjoy the children’s area where you can color and do activities.
There is an additional exhibit space in the following room. Right now it contains furniture made by enslaved African-Americans.
I was especially excited to see pottery made and signed by David, a famous enslaved craftsman.
Head down the hallway to the library which is easily one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
This library is housed in the Memorial Constitution Hall which was built in 1905. It hosted many important events, including the disarmament conference after World War I in 1921. First Lady Florence Harding and Second Lady Grace Coolidge sat in these very boxes to view the negotiations.
The library is a great place to research your family ancestry. I am so intrigued by the books on my home county in North Carolina during the Revolution. I can’t wait to go back and research!
If you have time, don’t miss the guided tour that leaves every hour, on the hour. The tour will take you upstairs to the thirty-one period rooms decorated by each state’s DAR chapter. The rooms are each uniquely beautiful and full of historical details from the 16th through the 20th centuries.
Kids will especially love the children’s rooms.
One of my favorites was the New York room with its gilded wallpaper. You can see the original paper it is based upon downstairs in the museum gallery.
It was also so special to see the Massachusetts room which recreates the Lexington home where John Hancock and Samuel Adams waited to hear from Paul Revere. I was there on the 250th anniversary of this very act!
The period rooms are so neat and such a treat. If you have time, the tour is worth it!
The DAR library and museum makes a great stop on any DC itinerary. While the Smithsonians are crowded with thousands of tourists, come here to see history in a more relaxed setting.
Helpful hints:
- Cost: free
- Recommended: 10 and up
- Tour time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour for the guided tour)
- Gift shop located at the museum entrance
- Transportation: Within walking distance of the National Mall and the White House, the nearest Metro station is Farragut West. There are several nearby parking garages.
- Dining options: I like the gooey grilled cheese sandwiches at the nearby GCDC. Founding Fathers restaurant is also close by and recommended.
- Nearby hotels: See my DC guide for recommendations. Nearest recommended hotel is a Courtyard by Marriott or the Hay-Adams.
- Nearby attractions include: Octagon House Museum, the National Mall Monuments and Memorials, the White House, The People’s House, and St. John’s Church
Books to Read:
All links are Amazon affiliate links. Be sure to check out my Bookshop.org shop for even more recommendations. Don’t miss my post on favorite American Revolution books here.
Adult/Young Adult:
- Women of Vision: Founders of the Daughters of the American Revolution
- Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation
- Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation―Untold True Stories of Extraordinary Women Who Shaped American History
- Carolina Clay: The Life and Legend of Enslaved Potter David Drake
Middle Grade:
Picture Books:
2 thoughts on “DAR Library and Museum (Washington, DC)”