Glen Echo in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Hall of Philosophy

Glen Echo Park

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

The Hall of Philosophy Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 24, 2017

1. The Hall of Philosophy Marker

Inscription. If you were in this spot in 1891, you would have seen a two-story building nestled in trees overlooking the Potomac River and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The Hall of Philosophy was part of the National Chautauqua Assembly at Glen Echo, which offered classes in science, art, languages, and literature.

The main lecture hall in the Hall of Philosophy seated 400 people. Many prominent scholars and social leaders gave lectures there. On August 1, 1891 hundreds of attendees gathered at a reception to honor neighbor and Founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton. Miss Barton was also President of the Chautauqua's Women's Executive Committee.

Her home, now a National Historic Site, is just footsteps away. Continue to follow the footsteps along the trail to learn more about the shy farm girl from Massachusetts who devoted her life to human welfare and the advancement of social reforms and who gained fame throughout the world.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the Clara Barton series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 1, 1891.

Location. 38° 57.998′ N, 77°

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8.424′ W. Marker is in Glen Echo, Maryland, in Montgomery County. Marker can be reached from MacArthur Boulevard. In a parking lot at Glen Echo Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo MD 20812, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. “A riotous country jumble” (within shouting distance of this marker); Minnehaha Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); Clara Barton House (within shouting distance of this marker); Glen Echo Park’s Crystal Pool (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Changing Face of Glen Echo (about 300 feet away); A Life of Service (about 300 feet away); A Heroine's Home (about 300 feet away); c. 1931 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glen Echo.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 24, 2017

2. The Hall of Philosophy Marker

The Hall of Philosophy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 24, 2017

3. The Hall of Philosophy

Courtesy of Richard CookClose-up of image on marker

Commemorative Spoon image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, May 24, 2017

4. Commemorative Spoon

This Glen Echo Chautauqua souvenir spoon, on display in the Glen Echo Park visitors Center, shows the Hall of Philosophy on the handle.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 459 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 2, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.