Georgetown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
"…a headquarters to call our own"
NSCDA
— 1891 —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 31, 2021
1. "…a headquarters to call our own" Marker
In 1891, women descended from Colonial era leaders founded The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) to preserve and share United States history. Over the next four decades, the NSCDA restored historic properties, raised money during wartime, and championed literacy programs. All without a national headquarters.
That changed in 1928 when the NSCDA acquired this property, then known as Bellevue, for $185,000 (roughly $3.3 million in 2020). Local architect Horace W. Peaslee restored the house to its original early 19th century appearance with the guidance of architectural historian Fiske Kimball, NSCDA past President Clarinda Pendleton Lamar, and Henrietta M. Bonsal, who became its first curator.
The NSCDA renamed the property Dumbarton House when they opened it as their headquarters and museum in May 1932.
Dumbarton House embodies the NSCDA's commitment to preservation and the collection, care, and display of historic objects and documents. To visit the museum, follow the path to your right.
"nothing short of a full restoration of the house, exactly it was will ultimately satisfy the Association…"
— Fiske Kimball to Mrs. Lamar and Mrs. Bonsal, April 30, 1931
Erected by
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. In addition, it is included in the The Colonial Dames of America, National Society of series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 30, 1931.
Location. 38° 54.645′ N, 77° 3.358′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Georgetown. Marker can be reached from Q Street Northwest west of 27th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2715 Q St NW, Washington DC 20007, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dumbarton House (a few steps from this marker); In Grateful Commemoration of the Signing of the Constitution (a few steps from this marker); Eastern Redbud (a few steps from this marker); “… on a high, dry, & handsome situation” (within shouting distance of this marker); Tulip Poplar (within shouting distance of this marker); "The bramble and trees…had made them invisible" (within shouting distance of this marker); Georgetown Refuge (within shouting distance of this marker); Mt. Zion Cemetery / Female Union Band Society Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 31, 2021
2. "…a headquarters to call our own" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 31, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
