HISTORY

1802

With the arrival of the Federal government in 1800 came people of means to build prominent, private houses. Among them was Timothy Caldwell of Philadelphia, a stonemason. He purchased the property and set out to erect what he would describe as the most handsome house in the Capital City.

1811

James Monroe came to Washington as Secretary of State in 1811. There is evidence that he was living at the house with his wife, Elizabeth, and their young daughter, Maria, when the British invaded Washington in the War of 1812. The Monroe’s remained in the house until the fall of 1817. At that time, they left the house as President and First Lady of the United States to move into the White House, newly rebuilt and painted white after destruction by the British.

1877

The property was sold to Professor Cleveland Abbe in 1877. Professor Abbe, a prominent meteorologist, is the first American, and one of the first people in the world, to have made successful day-to-day predictions for a government weather bureau. He is remembered for issuing the first official weather forecast for the United States Weather Service.

1916

THE ARTS CLUB FINDS A HOME

Inspired by the Providence Art Club and the National Arts Club in Manhattan, Washington artists created their own club in April 1916 and secured the Monroe House as its home. With a focus on painting, sculpture, music, and drama, The Arts Club of Washington provided a contrast to Washington's more traditional clubs as the first club in the nation's capital to admit both men and women and to have no membership covenants restricting membership on the basis of race, ethnicity, or religion.

The primary organizers of the new club were Canadian artist and distinguished World War I Major Michel Jacobs, architect Luther Leisenring, and Washington artist Bertha Noyes. Acclaimed sculptor Henry K. Bush-Brown was the first president. His portrait, painted by his equally acclaimed wife Margaret White Leslie Bush-Brown, now hangs above one of the Club's first-floor fireplaces.

Today

AN ENDURING PRESENCE

The Arts Club of Washington builds on its distinguished cultural, social, and architectural traditions as it continues to evolve as a presence in the city.

As an art gallery...a site for performances and programs, a symbol or preservation in action, and an elegant and congenial gathering place for members and their guests, the Arts Club's link to Washington and its history endures.

BECOME A MEMBER. LIVE THE ARTS

Washington DC's Member Only Arts Club


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