Opened in 1881 in time for the inauguralball of President James A. Garfield, the building was constructed to exhibit materialsacquired from the nation's Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia.

Dumbarton House is a Federal Period historic house museum ca. 1800, located in the East Village of historic Georgetown. The mission of Dumbarton House is to preserve the historic structure and it's collections and to educate the public about life in Washington, DC, during the early years of the Republic. The museum features a significant collection of Federal-era decorative arts, painting and furniture. Dumbarton House serves as the headquarters for the The National Society of the The Colonial Dames of America (The NSCDA), a women's organization that actively promotes our national heritage through historic preservation, patriotic service and educational projects. The NSCDA is comprised of 45 state societies that own or support 80 other properties around the country of architectural or historic value (www.nscda.org). Dumbarton House is accredited by the American Association of Museums. Dumbarton House hosts a regular schedule of programs including special tours, free concerts, lectures, tastings, school and scout programs, cotillion classes, and summer camps, ans is also available for private rentals such as corporate, social, and wedding events.

Friends of the National Zoo events and programs at the Zoo, information about visiting the Zoo, and lots more.

What's Current!

Check out our calendar for live presentations, special programs for all ages.

Calendar of Events, Spring of 99. Call (202) 357-2700 or TTY (202) 357-1729 for additional information.

Calendar of Events at the National Zoo and Other Dates to Remember

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS!Located in the S. Dillon Ripley Center, the gallery presents exhibitions that deal withsignificant topics from various disciplines or cultural perspectives. The gallery offerseducational programming in conjunction with most exhibits.