Do not book this venue My spouse and I booked this venue for our wedding a year in advance. We are extremely busy attorneys and wanted to stay ahead of schedule. Three months out from our wedding day - having put down thousands of dollars in non-reimbursable deposits and friends and family from around the continent planning their travel - Dumbarton sent us an email in the middle of the work day to say our wedding had been cancelled. Not even the courtesy of a phone call. The reason? The HVAC needed to be replaced. Dumbarton claimed to be invoking the force majeure provision of the contract. As attorneys, we know that this is not a proper invocation of such a provision. Dumbarton failed to take account of the age and state of their HVAC system and booked events it could not in fact host due to these issues. Just because Dumbarton failed to foresee the need to replace the HVAC does not mean this was unforseeable. This was negligence. And it was a breach of our contract. Through our own extraordinary effort and extreme luck, we ended up securing another venue for the same date. That other venue, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, was extremely sympathetic and made accommodations for us, which was the only reason that this last minute change worked out. This was also the only reason Dumbarton avoided a lawsuit from us. After we had secured a new venue, Dumbarton attempted to backtrack and said that we might still be able to host our event at their venue, but we would have to sign additional waivers related to the HVAC system. Obviously our confidence in Dumbarton to host this most important event had been completely destroyed, and we had no interest in waiving any rights we had against them. Nor do we think it was appropriate for them to say that they would only honor our contract, which they had already breached, by signing additional waivers. Making matters worse, it took Dumbarton over a month to return our several thousand dollar deposit to us after this debacle. First, they claimed their online payment system was not working--something we had to point out to them after the money never came to us. Then they said they would mail us a check. After more weeks went by, we asked where our money was. Only at that point did they actually bother to send us the check. In the time we were in contact with Dumbarton, they went through at least two event managers, both of whom were fresh out of college when they started working there. I cannot stress enough the importance of booking a wedding venue with an experienced event manager. The fact that Dumbarton cannot seem to keep one longer than a few months is telling. (And to be clear, the fault went straight to the top, including the Executive Director who emailed us about these "updates.") As a final warning - when we first looked at this venue, we looked at reviews online and we noticed some saying that their event management staff were disorganized and inexperienced. When we brought these reviews up to staff when we visited the venue, they assured us that those reviews were not by the couples themselves. Well - let me be absolutely clear: I am half of a couple and Dumbarton was a nightmare. Do not book this venue if you actually want your wedding to happen. read more

Dumbarton House is a historic house in Georgetown built in 1800 when the federal government was in Philadelphia and not D.C. It was a private residence until 1928 when it became the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America HQ. Four years later, they opened a house museum inside. They offer tours for $10 and it takes you through the house museum on the ground floor and the exhibit on the second floor, which rotates every six months. There's also a large garden on the property as well. Dumbarton House also hosts some of the most unique events in the city- 1) The Dumbarton House in Georgetown hosts some of the most unique events in the city- 1) Jane Austen movie nights on July Wednesdays in the garden, 2) Ice cream making on the lawn in honor of First Lady Dolley Madison, 3) Afternoon tea for families, and 4) Chamber music concerts. If you love events and history, it's worth a visit. The staff are also very friendly and very knowledgeable about D.C. and the museum industry. read more

This is a quaint and historical house surrounded by well-maintained flowering grounds. Located in Georgetown right off of Q Street, it is an extremely accessible location, as well. The 30ish minute tour through the house is definitely worth it. I believe that it is open Tuesday through Sunday from around midday to 3pm. It is usually not too crowded, so this is a nice destination to visit to relieve stress, especially for folks who enjoy history and want to explore something off-the-beaten path, and not too stereo-typically touristy. The folks that work here are so kind and always say hello and make conversation. The grounds are also open to the public, so feel free to bring a book or a leashed pet and spend a couple of minutes basking in the garden area-- there are several benches to sit on. I have seen several events hosted on the grounds as well, such as wedding receptions or outdoor dinner parties. The area definitely lends itself to such occasions. read more

See all

The Dumbarton House (not to be mistaken for Dumbarton Oaks, which is a short distance away in the same Georgetown neighborhood) is an absolute gem and good if you need to get away from the huge crowds at the National Mall and Downtown Washington, D.C. There were practically no other visitors around except for a couple ladies who handle the visitor's lobby and gift shop. Those two staff members were friendly and helpful and provided insights on the history behind the house and they also answered my questions regarding the origins of the furniture in each of the rooms and exhibits. It's a self-guided tour that consists of about 5-6 rooms on the first and second levels of the house. You can't take photos inside the house or the interior exhibits, but that shouldn't be a problem if you are outside or in the gardens. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM, the Dumbarton House also provides free on-site parking and their gardens are beautiful as well. Bicycle racks are also available near one of the street corners. This is one of those attractions that can be done in 30 minutes or less. I'd highly recommend it to those who are in Washington, D.C. for the first time. read more

See all

I was extremely excited to tour Dumbarton House; it was at the top of my list and had my fiancé and I not experienced discriminatory behavior with Jess, the sole customer service/visitor center rep, we likely would have booked this venue. My fiancé and I were 1-2 minutes early to the venue for our tour and arrived prior to opening (9:58). We knocked on the door to check in for our tour and we're greeted by Jess, who rudely gestured to the "Hours of Operation" sign and said "we don't open until 10, that's why the door is locked. " I explained cheerily who we were and that we had a venue tour scheduled for 10 am, when Jess snapped that our "staff wasn't there yet. " She let us into the visitor center, gestured to the wares for sale, "here's the visitors center," then went to her seat. My fiancé and I were already feeling like we didn't want to get married there based on how rude Jess was. However, her behavior was underscored by the way she treated a white woman and her three children who came in not 2 minutes after us. "Good morning! Welcome to Dumbarton House! How can I help you? " Jess was congenial and pleasant with them at 10:02 when just at 9:59, she nearly ripped my fiancé and my heads off for checking in for our tour. My fiancé and I explained to our tour staff Mary why we were no longer interested in touring or booking with Dumbarton House, and she was gracious in her apology and understanding. When we reached out to Katie Janota, the events coordinator, she apologized in one sentence and proceeded to excuse and rationalize Jess' behavior in a paragraph. I'm including screenshots of our exchanges so you can make your own determination. However, I would highly advise brides of color, specifically Black brides, to look for a venue other than Dumbarton House. I was extremely excited to tour Dumbarton House; it was at the top of my list and had my fiancé and I not experienced discriminatory behavior with Jess, the sole customer service/visitor center rep, we likely would have booked this venue. My fiancé and I were 1-2 minutes early to the venue for our tour and arrived prior to opening (9:58). We knocked on the door to check in for our tour and we're greeted by Jess, who rudely gestured to the "Hours of Operation" sign and said "we don't open until 10, that's why the door is locked. " I explained cheerily who we were and that we had a venue tour scheduled for 10 am, when Jess snapped that our "staff wasn't there yet. " She let us into the visitor center, gestured to the wares for sale, "here's the visitors center," then went to her seat. My fiancé and I were already feeling like we didn't want to get married there based on how rude Jess was. However, her behavior was underscored by the way she treated a white woman and her three children who came in not 2 minutes after us. "Good morning! Welcome to Dumbarton House! How can I help you? " Jess was congenial and pleasant with them at 10:02 when just at 9:59, she nearly ripped my fiancé and my heads off for checking in for our tour. My fiancé and I explained to our tour staff Mary why we were no longer interested in touring or booking with Dumbarton House, and she was gracious in her apology and understanding. When we reached out to Katie Janota, the events coordinator, she apologized in one sentence and proceeded to excuse and rationalize Jess' behavior in a paragraph. I'm including screenshots of our exchanges so you can make your own determination. However, I would highly advise brides of color, specifically Black brides, to look for a venue other than Dumbarton House. read more

See all

Honestly there just... isn't much here? I went on a free day and found the gardens were a lovely place to hang out and read. But the house itself just isn't that interesting? While they have some older furnishings and have tried to tell the story of the residents, I found there just wasn't enough richness there to get me really engaged. Maybe it's better with a live tour guide, which I believe they offer? But generally I think there's a lot more history available elsewhere. read more

This historic house in Georgetown was constructed in the 18th century in style now known as "Federal style." The first resident of Dumbarton was the first U.S. Treasury register. About 15 years later, Dolley Madison took refuge here once she fled the White House to avoid the British attack. This house was actually moved one hundred feet to make way for the Q Street/Dumbarton Bridge. Today, Dumbarton holds china that was once owned by Martha Washington's grandchild, as well as toys, books and art dating back to the 1800's. Most of the furniture here dates back to the late 18th century or early 19th century. The same holds true for the paintings and wall hangings. You can see these items by taking a tour of the house which costs five bucks, . If you have a student ID, you get in free! read more

Dumbarton House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

Spent a lovely afternoon here. There was nobody around except for 1 guide lady in the gift shop. I love exploring old homes to get a glimpse of life long ago. The house is beautiful. It was elegant but not too gaudy. They did a wonderful job recreating the rooms in the federal period style and painting what upper middle-class life in D.C. was like. It also has a very peaceful outdoor garden, but it rained the day I was there. The place closes at 3:00 but they let me wait out the rain. The place is small so the whole visit will probably take about 30 minutes or so. If you are in Georgetown, it is a must see. Student ID will get you in for free. read more

Hosting our event here went perfectly, and the staff were incredibly helpful and professional. The space is gorgeous and I would definitely come back again! read more

My daughter and I stumbled upon the house and grounds while taking a walk from our temporary rental in Dupont Circle. We were a bit too late for the tour which ends at 3 pm, but the grounds is open until 5 pm. Admission to the house is $5 for adults, free for kids. However, the grounds are open for the public to enjoy, free of charge. I must say, if you're looking for an opportunity to take some nice engagement or family photos, this is quite the place. The grounds are very well maintained and stunning. I'm sure any private reception would be perfect here. There is a private lot adjacent to the house but it appears limited (perhaps 20 spaces at most?). There are special gatherings that I've read about such as an ice cream social on Sundays. read more

This place is beautiful!~ It would probably had been better if we weren't there when it was so dark. It's a classic post colonial home, with period charm everywhere! We were there for a formal event, so it was obviously decked out more lavishly than it normally would have been. But still, even when not all coiffed to perfection, this place is like taking a time machine back to the Regency era.... sitting on the grass... reading Wuthering Heights... having a nice picnic. You can just picture yourself in fine period garb in a beautifully restored setting. A great place for a wedding/formal event! read more

My best friend got married here last weekend...gorgeous spot for a wedding! Beautiful gardens and places for the ceremony/reception/pictures. read more

Dumbarton House - dumbarton house gardens - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very nice and knowledgeable tour guide. Pleasant garden and property in a quiet part of the city. Well decorated to the period and a terrific historical home of DC's earliest days that is not represented in any other home in DC. Easy and pleasant walk from the Dupont Circle Metro. Also recommend the nearby Anderson House and the Philips Collection. Do pay attention to the hours. A very nice attraction for out of town tourists. read more

Gorgeous historic house from the federalist period. They always have great programming - holiday events, house tours, inexpensive and high quality plays by picnic theatre co, the outdoor Jane Austen film fest, and free Sunday serendipity yoga in the summer. Knowledgeable staff who know much about the rich history of the house. Beautiful gardens surrounding the house. Check out their awesome events. read more

a tepid welcome from a single numbed register attendant with no information or warmth to impart and ten dollars to collect was followed by a lonely wander through only four period rooms with placards displaying highly limited and generic information. the upstairs is commandeered by tired exhibits about the colonial dames, who are clearly more interested in aggrandizing themselves than celebrating the history of this handsome but barren building. i suspect its only a moneymaker for them - concerts, weddings, etc - which is a dark pity and a waste of a potentially great historic building. read more

Wonderful! We purchased a LivingSocial to visit and had a wonderful time. The staff were very friendly and wiling to answer any questions. We were able to park in the side parking lot by the house and enjoy the tour in about 1 hour. I look forward to taking my family when they are in town. read more

This is a a great historical home built in 1799, which has been restored on the ground floor with furnishings, wall paper and other period pieces. The docent, Dwayn, was knowledgeable and gave an excellent tour full of information and ready to answer questions. Upstairs was a special exhibit on the way they used science to determine the composition of the paints, flooring and to produce the replica wall papers, and information about the National Society of Colonial Dames who bought the house in 1928 and restored it to its federal style origins, opening it to the public in 1932. As a plus, the azaleas were out, in the small garden outside. read more

Only 4 rooms on the bottom level are restored and furnished. A bit of a let down for $10.

Boring and way too expensive for the exhibition. Nice building but nothing very special. They take credit cards, admission fee is 10 Dollars. From the point of view of museum education, the exhibition is bad. There are only a few text boards, you can press buttons in two rooms and listen to some meager explanations. I'd rather walk around the house, that's enough. read more

I went here for a girl scout outing. The staff was nice and attentive, and the breakfast was good. The museum was cool but small-but that doesn't really affect my review in any way. Even if it's not for a girl scout outing, I am pretty sure you will love this place. read more

This is a magical place and a Georgetown historic gem. I went here for an event and would love to come back and have a handsome man propose to me in that beautiful garden... read more

It's a lovely home, no doubt, and the grounds are nice, too. Just be clear that you won't need to spend much time here. We saw everything in under 30 minutes, so if you're making this a "destination," be sure you arrange to see other nearby attractions. read more

What a fantastic tour of the house. Your staff is knowledgeable and extremely friendly. We had a wonderful day thank you very much