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Statement of Purpose

A short block from the White House stands the Octagon, a National Historic treasure. One of the first great homes built in the new nation’s capital, the Octagon is a landmark of America’s architectural, political, and cultural history. Completed in 1801 for the eminent Tayloe family and designed by William Thornton, the original architect of the U.S. Capitol, the Octagon is one of the most significant and elegant buildings to remain standing from the early federal city. It was in the upstairs parlor that President Madison signed the Treaty of Ghent on February 17, 1815 establishing peace with Great Britain. In 1899, The American Institute of Architects chose the severely deteriorated building as its new national headquarters, initiating a series of state-of-the-art restorations.

After over two centuries of use, adaptation, renovation, and restoration, the Octagon continues to serve as a reminder of the great beauty of early American design and the lasting value of architectural excellence. Restorations of many old buildings include updating the plumbing, water pipes, and the heating and water systems, as well as restoring the facade of the building.

A view of The Octagon
in its present urban landscape

Collections

The Octagon Permanent Collection of Decorative Art Objects

Decorative art objects of the early 19th century, case study restoration of historical house, White House during the war of 1812.

Prints and Drawings Collection

Architectural drawings, historical photographs, sketchbooks, models about the practice of architecture. Special colletions include: works by Richard Morris Hunt, Henry Bacon, Greene and Greene, Bertram Goodhue, Mickim Mead & White, Hugh Stubbins Clarence, Hunt and Hunt, and others.

Highlihts, Exhibits & Events

• Tours and Special Events
  Educational programs include tours of the historical house period rooms, hard hat tours of restoration areas, exterior site walking tours. In conjunction with exhibitions, programes include: Lectures; Symposia; Family Activities; Gallery Talks; Tours; and Special Events.
• Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village: The Creation of an Architectural Masterpiece
  Exhibition examines Jefferson's greatest architectural legacy, the designs for the university of VA. Late Jan-May related education programs.
• Grandeur, Simplicity & Convenience: The United States Capitol 1793-1993
  Reproduction exhibition documenting the architectural history of the US Capitol.

Research Fields

• Washington DC History and Material Culture Issues
  The Octagon focuses its efforts on the federal period - roughly 1800-1830.
• Architecture and Design Studies

Key Personnel

CEO: Nancy Davis, Director
Sherry Birk, Curator of Prints and Drawings
Linnea Hamer, Curator of Exhibitions
Charlotte Kroll, Administrative Manager
Suzanne Rosenblum, Curator of Education

Dining Room of the Octagon
The table has been set for a fancy 19th century dinner party.

Special Hard Hat Tour
Special tours examine the details of this state-of-the-art restoration effort.

Exhibition Installation
Recent installation in the Octagon's newly restored 2nd floor galleries.

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