About the Historic Houses
The historic houses that make up the courthouse have witnessed pivotal moments in American history. Together they tell a story of innovation, activism, and social change. Today, restored with artifacts and enhanced by cutting-edge technology, they invite visitors to experience history in new ways.
Dolley Madison House
The Dolley Madison House, built in 1820, became Dolley Madison’s home after her husband’s death in 1836. Returning to Washington, she made the house a social center, often hosting guests after White House events. She lived here until her death in 1849, when President Taylor reportedly first used the term “First Lady” to honor her influence. During the Civil War, the house served as General McClellan’s headquarters, where President Lincoln often visited him. In the twentieth century, the building took on a new role in public service as part of the Federal Judicial Center, where new judges received orientation and training. Justice Sonia Sotomayor completed her initial training here when she first became a judge.
The Dolley Madison House, built in 1820, became Dolley Madison’s home after her husband’s death in 1836. Returning to Washington, she made the house a social center, often hosting guests after White House events. She lived here until her death in 1849, when President Taylor reportedly first used the term “First Lady” to honor her influence. During the Civil War, the house served as General McClellan’s headquarters, where President Lincoln often visited him. In the twentieth century, the building took on a new role in public service as part of the Federal Judicial Center, where new judges received orientation and training. Justice Sonia Sotomayor completed her initial training here when she first became a judge.
NASA Headquarters
The Dolley Madison House served as NASA’s first headquarters during the early years of the Space Age. The world first met the Mercury Seven astronauts and space-traveling primates Able and Baker during events inside the first-floor assembly room. At the Innovation Center, students have a unique opportunity to engage with real artifacts loaned by NASA and SpaceX, including a moon rock, spacesuits, helmets, and model rockets, discovering how spacesuits and space travel have evolved over time.
The Dolley Madison House served as NASA’s first headquarters during the early years of the Space Age. The world first met the Mercury Seven astronauts and space-traveling primates Able and Baker during events inside the first-floor assembly room. At the Innovation Center, students have a unique opportunity to engage with real artifacts loaned by NASA and SpaceX, including a moon rock, spacesuits, helmets, and model rockets, discovering how spacesuits and space travel have evolved over time.
Suffragist Hall
Built in 1828 by diplomat Benjamin Tayloe, the Tayloe House stands beside the Dolley Madison House on Lafayette Square. In 1915, it became the headquarters of the National Woman’s Party. Their efforts helped pressure President Wilson to support the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in 1920. During their visit, students explore the stages of the suffrage movement in the very place where history unfolded, engaging with high-tech interactive experiences surrounded by authentic artifacts.
Built in 1828 by diplomat Benjamin Tayloe, the Tayloe House stands beside the Dolley Madison House on Lafayette Square. In 1915, it became the headquarters of the National Woman’s Party. Their efforts helped pressure President Wilson to support the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in 1920. During their visit, students explore the stages of the suffrage movement in the very place where history unfolded, engaging with high-tech interactive experiences surrounded by authentic artifacts.
Cosmos Club
Founded in 1878 by explorer and geologist John Wesley Powell, the Cosmos Club became a powerhouse of scientific and intellectual exchange. Located in the Dolley Madison and Tayloe Houses, the club brought together inventors, researchers, and writers whose work shaped the modern world. It was here that members launched the National Geographic Society and supported pioneering efforts in flight, including Orville Wright’s 1909 demonstrations at nearby Fort Myer. With a membership that includes dozens of Nobel laureates and trailblazers in medicine, engineering, and exploration, the Cosmos Club helped turn Washington into a center of discovery and innovation.
Founded in 1878 by explorer and geologist John Wesley Powell, the Cosmos Club became a powerhouse of scientific and intellectual exchange. Located in the Dolley Madison and Tayloe Houses, the club brought together inventors, researchers, and writers whose work shaped the modern world. It was here that members launched the National Geographic Society and supported pioneering efforts in flight, including Orville Wright’s 1909 demonstrations at nearby Fort Myer. With a membership that includes dozens of Nobel laureates and trailblazers in medicine, engineering, and exploration, the Cosmos Club helped turn Washington into a center of discovery and innovation.
Tour the Historic Houses
Want to step inside the rooms where history happened? Explore our Learning Experiences, or visit About the Innovation Center to learn more. When you're ready to schedule a tour of the Historic Houses, click below.
Schedule Your Visit Want to step inside the rooms where history happened? Explore our Learning Experiences, or visit About the Innovation Center to learn more. When you're ready to schedule a tour of the Historic Houses, click below.