The Power in Preservation exhibit is a celebration of the role that women have historically played, and continue to play, in the broad field of preservation. In room one, you will learn a little about the origins of the historic preservation movement in the United States and some of the earliest historic preservation organizations. You […]
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Did you know that in the year 1800, the average American over the age of fifteen consumed thirty-two gallons of hard cider and beer, seven gallons of distilled spirits, and one gallon of wine? Pick Your Poison explores the history of drinking the Federal Period. With sections on wine, beer, cider, tea, chocolate, punch, and
Since 1891, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) has worked to inspire a spirit of patriotism and a genuine love of country by creating widespread interest in the stories of our nation’s founding and development. The legacy of the NSCDA is continued in the work of its 15,000+ members, placing it
History’s Keepers: The Legacy of the NSCDA Read More
An exciting exhibition series, The Exchange, is designed to present a couple of items from history in a way that engages visitors and helps them reflect on issues over time. The Exchange 2020|1, the ninth in the series, highlights the role of women in creating and preserving Dumbarton House. Among those highlighted are Susanna Woodrow (mother-in-law
The disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are essential to further how we understand, preserve and interpret historic houses and the collections contained within. Conservators, curators, fine art movers, artists and a variety of museum staff use systems and methods developed through the STEM disciplines to support and enhance their work. Through the
STEM in the Historic House Read More
Gomphrena Globosa Globe amaranth, scientifically known as gomphrena globosa, is native to South and Central America and is a member of the Amaranthaceous family. It is a heat tolerant plant and grows best in full sun with regular moisture. Given its tropical nature, it blooms continuously throughout summer and early fall. While Dumbarton House’s variety are
Dumbarton House Featured Flora: Globe Amaranth Read More
Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’ The Japanese Cedar is native to forested areas in Japan and China and is a species in the Redwood family. The foliage resembles the Giant Sequoias’. It is grown as an ornamental in parts of the United States and southern Canada. The ‘Yoshino’ has a symmetrical, pyramidal form and typically matures to
Dumbarton House Featured Flora: Japanese Cedar Read More
Styrax japonicus Japanese Snowbell is native to China and Japan. It is a graceful, compact, deciduous flowering tree that grows to 20-30 feet tall with horizontal branching and a rounded crown. After the leaves have developed, pendulous clusters of white bell-shaped flowers with soft yellow centers and a light fragrance hang on short stems below
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Vitex agnus castus The Chaste Tree is a native of China and India but has become naturalized throughout the South. Peter Henderson, an early American nurseryman, stated that the Vitex has been cultivated here since 1670. It is a deciduous multi-trunked tree that grows to 10-12 feet with a spread of 8-10 feet. The foliage
Dumbarton House Featured Flora: Chaste Tree Read More
Sophora japonica Sophora japonica is native to China and Korea, but not Japan. The common name, Pagoda Tree, recognizes the early use of the tree in Japan around Buddhist temples. In China it is the symbol of the 8th moon, when the official examinations for political positions took place and was cultivated by aspiring scholars. It is
Dumbarton House Featured Flora: Scholar Tree, Pagoda Tree Read More
