General Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters

The General Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters is a four-story masonry building in the Renaissance Revival style with tall windows, an iron-framed entrance canopy, and notable bay windows on its facade. The interior contains meeting rooms, offices, and exhibit spaces arranged over multiple levels for administration and public programs.

The mansion was constructed in 1875 for a naval officer and became the federation's headquarters in 1922 when member organizations pooled resources to purchase it. This acquisition transformed a private residence into the centerpiece of a national women's advocacy network.

The building serves as a gathering place where women organized for social causes over many decades, reflecting their role in shaping community life. Today, the spaces show how this house became central to movements for education, public welfare, and civic participation.

Tours of the interior can be arranged in advance by contacting the organization, allowing visitors to see the period rooms and working spaces. The location in a downtown residential neighborhood makes it accessible by foot or public transit.

A narrow room was built above the former carriage entrance in 1884, known for its puzzling name and questionable utility, making it one of the building's quirkiest features. Few visitors expect to discover such an oddly designed space tucked into the structure.

Location: Washington, D.C.

GPS coordinates: 38.90694,-77.04028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:44