Washington, D.C. Beyond the Monuments

City of historic homes

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site: Bethune, founder of the National Council of Negro Women and advisor to four U. S. presidents, made this grand Second Empire house her headquarters and occasionally her home. Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. 1318 Vermont Ave. NW. 202/673-2404. McPherson Sq.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site: Home of abolitionist, author, orator, and diplomat Frederick Douglass, beautifully preserved, as he knew it. Daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m.. Tours every hour 9 a.m.-3 p.m., except at Noon. Admission: $3. 1411 W St. SE. 202/426-5960. Easily accessible by automobile with ample parking available on the grounds.
Decatur House: This 1818 Federal home is witness to 180 years of Washington politics and society. Open Tues-Fri 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat-Sun noon-4p.m. Adults $4, students $2.50. Guided tours every hour. 748 Jackson Pl. NW. 202/842-0920. Farragut West.
Dumbarton House Museum: This fine Federal-era house showcases 18th and 19th century furniture and fine arts. Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-1 p.m.. Closed Aug-Labor Day. Donations: $3; students free. 2715 Q St. NW. 202/337-2288. Dupont Circle transfer to D1, D2, D6 Metrobus.
The Heurich House Museum and The Historical Society of Washington, DC: One of the nation’s finest Victorian house museums; includes an intimate period garden. Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. Admission:$3. 1307 New Hampshire Ave. NW. 202/785-2068. Dupont Circle.
Hillwood Museum & Gardens: A collector’s museum of 18th century French decorative arts and the finest collection of imperial Russian objects outside of Russia. Tues-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m.. Reservations required. Reopens fall 2000. 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202/686-5807.Visit by automobile.
The Octagon: This elegant 1801 Federal-style townhouse, home to President Madison after the British burned the White House in 1814, houses the museum of the American Architectural Foundation. Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. Tours on the hour and half-hour and self-guided exhibitions. Adults $5; students/seniors $3. 1799 New York Ave. NW. 202/638-3221 or 202/638-3105. Farragut West.
Old Stone House: A Georgetown landmark, built in 1765. The oldest house in the District and its only colonial-era museum; with a fine small garden, Wed-Sun noon-5 p.m.. 3051 M St. NW. 202/426-6851. Metrobus 32, 34, 35, 36.
Peterson House, The house where Lincoln died: Located across the street from Ford’s Theater. Daily 9 a.m.5 p.m.. 516 10th St. NW. 202/426-6924. Metro Center or Gallery Pl -Chinatown.
Sewall-Belmont House: The headquarters of the National Women’s Party since 1929 is now a museum devoted to the women’s suffrage movement. Tours on the hour: Tues-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat noon-3 p.m.. 144 Constitution Ave. NE. 202/546-3989. Union Station.
The Society of the Cincinnati Museum at Anderson House: Palatial 1905 Beaux-Arts mansion with a 600-foot ballroom and grand marble staircase. Tues-Sat 1-4 p.m.. Free concert series; call for information. 2118 Massachusetts Ave. NW. 202/785-2040. Dupont Circle.
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden: Superb 1816 Federal-style mansion with extensive gardens, home to six generations of the descendants of Martha Washington. Tours: Tues-Fri 10 and 11:30 a.m., 1 and 2:30 p.m.. Sat tours on the hour 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Donations: adults $6, seniors $5, students $3. 1644 31st St. NW. 202/965-0400 ext. 102. Metrobus 32, 34, 35, 36.
Woodrow Wilson House: The only presidential museum in the nation’s capital showcases Wilson’s life and times from drawing room and library to kitchen and butler’s pantry. Tues-Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m. One-hour tours. Adults $5; seniors $4; students $2.50. 2340 S St. NW. 202/387-4062. A five-block walk (10 min.) from Dupont Circle.

Neighborhood Heritage Walking Tours

For information on guided walking tours leaving from Metrorail stations, call 202/828-WALK (9255).

Created by the DC Heritage Tourism Coalition.