Press Release: Tudor Place Featured Among Historic Houses for Washington Winter Show’s 70th Anniversary

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Press Release 

January 7, 2025

 

WASHINGTON, DC – To mark the Washington Winter Show’s seventieth anniversary, the 2025 loan exhibition draws from the collections of seven of the most important historic houses in the nation. Preservation Pioneers will focus on the history of the individual houses and how the institutions that have saved and preserved them have had a lasting impact on the fields of collecting and historic preservation. These houses represent a sweep of more than two centuries of American history. They include: Anderson House; Gunston Hall; Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens; George Washington’s Mount Vernon; Stratford Hall; Tudor Place Historic House & Garden and Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Each house has a unique preservation story—beginning with the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association’s pioneering work in the 1850s—but collectively these historic institutions offer insights and inspiration to private collectors, curators, designers and preservationists who seek to preserve the future of our past.

A selection of items from the Tudor Place Collection & Archive illustrates the methods the Peter family used to document their family heirlooms throughout two centuries of residence. Each object comes with a note written by one of the members of the family identifying the object’s significance. Tudor Place was previously featured in the 2010 Washington Winter Show exhibition, Tudor Place: Six Generations of Style.

One of the items included in the exhibition is a Sèvres teacup and saucer from a service originally owned by George Washington, whose step-granddaughter, Martha Peter, was the first owner of Tudor Place. Tudor Place was the home of six descendants of Martha Washington and has the largest collection of Washington objects outside of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The teacup and saucer have a handwritten paper label written by Armistead Peter Jr., Martha’s grandson and the third owner of Tudor Place, demonstrating Martha’s descendants’ dedication to preserving their family’s legacy. Tudor Place became a National Historic Landmark in 1960 due to the efforts of its final owner, Armistead Peter 3rd, and opened to the public in October 1988.

These items will be on display at the Washington Winter Show, beginning with preview night on Thursday, January 9 and continuing through January 12 at the Katzen Arts Center at American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20016. Purchase tickets here: https://www.washingtonwintershow.org/purchase-tickets

ABOUT TUDOR PLACE HISTORIC HOUSE & GARDEN: Tudor Place preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and labored here. By examining their legacy, we challenge ourselves and our visitors to celebrate the triumphs and to confront the complexities of the past. Open Tuesday – Sunday for guided tours of the historic house and self-guided garden visits. For more information, please visit www.tudorplace.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.

ABOUT WASHINGTON WINTER SHOW: The Washington Winter Show, The Washington Antiques Show, was founded in 1954-55, is the second oldest charitable antiques show in the United States. Steeped in history and hosted within the modern walls of American University’s Katzen Arts Center in Washington, DC, the Winter Show features more dealers from across the United States and Europe, offering a broad range of exquisite antiques and fine arts. The Show raises funds for local charities benefitting at-risk children and families through services provided by Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys, Building Bridges Across the River and St. John’s Community Services. For more information please visit: https://www.washingtonwintershow.org/.

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Contact

Janet Wall

Director of Development & Communications

press@tudorplace.org | 202-580-7323

10 Things to Do in Georgetown this Holiday Season

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Written by Kate Oczypok | Published on 

If you’re in town this holiday and have some time off, now is the perfect time to enjoy Georgetown. From ice skating at Washington Harbour to live jazz at Blues Alley and much more, here are 10 options for festive fun in Georgetown.

Read the full article here.

Press Release: Tudor Place Wins MAAM’s, Making an Impact Award

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Press Release 

October 15, 2024

 

WASHINGTON, DC – The Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums (MAAM) awarded Tudor Place with the Making an Impact Award on October 9 during the Association’s 2024 Annual Meeting at the Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Accepting the award on behalf of the organization was Curator Rob DeHart and Development Manager Jessica Zaluzec. This award honors museums and institutions for developing either a program, exhibition or special project that displays responsiveness and resourcefulness and has resulted in creative change for their organizations and a positive impact on their communities.

The award highlights Tudor Place’s special installation and guided tour Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent in Tudor Place that was launched in February. The traditional historic house tour was re-imagined, allowing visitors the chance to see the site through the eyes of the enslaved and free individuals for whom the historic house was both home and workplace. The tour makes use of audio recordings, maps, artifacts and photographs to reveal how these individuals found ways to practice resistance and activism while navigating the irreparable traumas that came from the institution of slavery. Curated in collaboration with descendants, this tour has successfully expanded and diversified the museum’s visitor community, bringing in visitors of all ages and backgrounds to experience the history being explored and to participate in dialogue around race and social justice. Reservations for Ancestral Spaces recommended, but not required at: https://tudorplace.org/visit/plan-your-visit-2/.

ABOUT TUDOR PLACE: Tudor Place preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and worked here. By examining their legacy, we challenge ourselves and our visitors to celebrate the triumphs and to confront the complexities of the past. Open Tuesday – Sunday for guided tours of the historic house and self-guided garden visits. For more information, please visit www.tudorplace.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.

ABOUT MAAM: The Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums (MAAM) is a not-for-profit membership organization, founded in 1947. MAAM represents museum professionals, organizations, institutions and museum service providers, providing a forum to enhance the image of museums and educate individuals on an array of field specific study and programs in the area of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. MAAM is recognized as a regional association by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). For additional information, please visit: https://midatlanticmuseums.org/

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Contact

Janet Wall

Director of Development & Communications

press@tudorplace.org | 202-580-7323

Tudor Place Winner of MAAM Impact Award

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The Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums Announces its 2024 Award Recipients

The Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums (MAAM) announced the 2024 Award recipients today.  MAAM acknowledges that museums are made up of strong and active teams that work together to achieve lasting impact in their communities. To that end, the Making an Impact Award honors museums and institutions as a whole for developing either a program, exhibition, or special project that displays responsiveness and resourcefulness and have resulted in creative change for their organizations and a positive impact on their communities. MAAM is pleased to recognize three such institutions at this year’s annual meeting.

The third recipient of the Making an Impact Award is Tudor Place Historic House & Garden for its guided tour program: Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent in Tudor Place. The tour brings into focus the lives of enslaved people and laborers, who are so often misrepresented in historical narratives or omitted altogether. The program has successfully expanded and diversified the Museum’s visitor community, bringing in people eager to experience the history being explored and to participate in dialogue around race and social justice.

Curator Rob DeHart and Development Manager Jessica Zaluzec will accept the award at the ceremony in Philadelphia on October 9, 2024.

MAAM is pleased to celebrate all of its award recipients.

 

About the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums

The Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums (MAAM) is a not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1947 to represent museum professionals, organizations, institutions, museum service providers, and industry partners in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. MAAM provides a forum to enhance the image of museums and educate individuals on an array of field-specific study and programs.  MAAM brings together the resources and leaders of the Mid-Atlantic’s museum community through conferences, symposia, and workshops to spark dialogue among industry professionals. While it always  focuses on building sustainable and inclusive museums for their communities, MAAM’s programming evolves with the needs of the field. The Annual Meeting is a member-driven forum to allow for opportunities to network and share ideas. MAAM’s Building Museums™ Symposium is unique among museum conferences in offering programming tailored for those who plan or implement new construction, renovation, or expansion projects for museums.

 

 

Press Release: Tudor Place Launches Bloomberg Connects Digital Guide to Enrich Onsite and Offsite Visits

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Press Release 

September 17, 2024

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Tudor Place Historic House & Garden launches a new, digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Onsite, the free app turns our visitors’ mobile phone into a touchless experience and a centralized place for access to unique content and essential information. Offsite, Bloomberg Connects allows users to experience and explore Tudor Place from anywhere, anytime. Tudor Place joins hundreds of international museums, galleries, sculpture parks, gardens and cultural spaces on Bloomberg Connects, with the launch of an audio landscape history tour.

“Tudor Place is excited to work with Bloomberg Connects to create new tools for discovering and exploring our site,” says Tudor Place Executive Director Mark Hudson. “The audio guide for the garden is the first of many collaborative projects we foresee.”

With Bloomberg Connects, Tudor Place becomes accessible for onsite or offsite visits through photo, audio and video features, offering insights into the 5 ½ acre estate. Bloomberg Connects offers free digital guides to cultural organizations around the world. The app platform is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ longstanding commitment to supporting digital innovation in the arts. Bloomberg Connects makes it easy to access and engage with arts and culture from mobile devices when visiting in person, or from anywhere. With dynamic content exclusive to each partner organization, the app provides a range of features including video, audio and text; expert commentary; and way-finding maps.

The Bloomberg Connects app, available for download from Google Play or the App Store.

ABOUT TUDOR PLACE:  Tudor Place preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and worked here. By examining their legacy, we challenge ourselves and our visitors to celebrate the triumphs and to confront the complexities of the past. Open Tuesday – Sunday for guided tours of the historic house and self-guided garden visits. For more information, please visit www.tudorplace.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn.

ABOUT BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPIES: Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in cities and countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org.

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Contact

Janet Wall

Director of Development & Communications

press@tudorplace.org | 202-580-7323

Press Release: Lafayette’s Bicentennial Celebration Tour – Next Stop: Tudor Place

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Press Release 

September 3, 2024

 

WASHINGTON, DC – In 2024-2025, communities throughout the U.S. will commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s return to America. Between July 1824 and September 1825, ”the Hero of Two Worlds” toured America, visiting all twenty-four states and the District of Columbia. Nearly fifty years after the American Revolution, Lafayette was received with parades, banquets and military salutes. In October 1824, he paid a visit to Martha and Thomas Peter at Tudor Place, a much-awaited reunion between Lafayette and Martha Peter, a granddaughter of Martha Washington.

The American Friends of Lafayette, in collaboration with Tudor Place and other historic sites nationwide, announce a bicentennial celebration of Lafayette’s tour tracing his footsteps as the “Guest of the Nation” in the exact order he traveled. Join Tudor Place in celebrating this bicentennial commemoration with a lineup of related events:

  • Watch the launch video produced by American Friends of Lafayette with Director James Lee, to bring awareness and excitement to this historic reliving.
  • Friday, September 6 online at 12:00 p.m. Washington Informer Interview. Executive Director Mark Hudson and Curator Rob DeHart, in conversation with Denise Rolark Barnes, will explore what Lafayette did in Washington DC and as a supporter of equality and liberty, how he addressed the slavery he encountered during this visit. They will share details about Lafayette’s October visits and the banquet held at Tudor Place in his honor. Click to watch on September 6.
  • Tuesday, September 10 @ Tudor Place at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Remembering Lafayette in the Nation’s Capital. As part of the 2024 Landmark Lecture Series, Executive Director Mark Hudson will chronicle Lafayette’s national tour, with an emphasis upon his time in Washington and interactions with the grandchildren of Martha Washington. The program will explore why the tour captured the young nation’s imagination and why the memory of Lafayette continues to be celebrated two centuries later. Click for tickets. 
  • Tuesday, October 15 @ Tudor Place at 5:30 – 7:30 PM. The Night Lafayette Came to Tudor Place. Guests are invited to a celebratory evening in honor of one of Georgetown’s most historic events, which will include a performance by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and a meet and greet with the guest of honor, Lafayette. View an installation of objects and ephemera around themes of Lafayette’s visit to Tudor Place in the historic house, followed by dinner and music on the South Lawn. All are welcome. The American Friends of Lafayette – Lafayette at Tudor Place (Wash DC) (wildapricot.org)
  • October 15-November 30th @ Tudor Place. Welcoming Lafayette. See rarely displayed collection objects and ephemera in the historic house around themes of memories and mementos of Lafayette’s visit to Tudor Place in 1824. Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 4:00 p.m.

 

ABOUT TUDOR PLACE: Tudor Place preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington, and the enslaved and free people who lived and worked here for nearly two centuries. By examining their legacy, we challenge ourselves and our visitors to celebrate the triumphs and to confront the complexities of the past. Open Tuesday – Sunday for guided tours of the historic house and self-guided garden visits. www.tudorplace.org.

ABOUT AMERIAN FRIENDS OF LAFAYETTE. The American Friends of Lafayette is an organization aware of the ideals and life of the Marquis de Lafayette; the visionary leader, the inspirational quality of his remarkable career, his contributions to our own struggle for liberty and his ceaseless efforts to forge an eternal bond of friendship between the United States and France. For more information, please visit www.lafayette200.org.

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Contact

Janet Wall

Director of Development & Communications

press@tudorplace.org | 202-580-7323

The Washington Winter Show Celebrates : Preserving the Future of Our Past

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Washington, DC – The Washington Winter Show will debut its 70th antique show January 10-12, 2025 at American University’s Katzen Arts Center in Washington, D.C. The nation’s second oldest charity antique show
draws over 6,000 attendees annually from across the nation. The Show brings together ne art and antiques from more than 40 dealers and opportunities to engage with some of the nation’s top names in design and
historic preservation through lectures and panel discussions. The 2025 Show is co-chaired by Rachel and Jared Michael. The Show will feature Jennifer Gracie and Zach Shea of Gracie Studios as the keynote Lecture
Luncheon speakers.

Read the full press release here.

Tudor Place Objects Featured in Washington Winter Show

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Tudor Place will be included in Washington Winter Show’s loan exhibit during the 70th anniversary of the nation’s second oldest charity antique show. In connection with the show’s theme “Preserving the Future of Our Past,” the exhibition draws from the collections of seven historic houses who previously have been featured with a solo exhibit at the Show.

Read Washington Winter Show’s full press release here. 

Up in Arms: A Family’s Service

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Vintage engraving portrait of G. Washington Peter c.1810-1820 in military regalia

Portrait of G. Washington Peter c.1810-1820 Engraving (Tudor Place Archive)

TUDOR PLACE TIMES | SUMMER 2024

From the early days of the United States of America through the Korean War, the Peter family proudly served in the armed forces. Through these 150 years, sons, and later daughters, were guided by a strong familial connection and an overall sense of patriotism to serve their country. These military stories are kept alive by the objects they left behind, preserved by later generations of the family.

From the early days of the United States of America through the Korean War, the Peter family proudly served in the armed forces. Through these 150 years, sons, and later daughters, were guided by a strong familial connection and an overall sense of patriotism to serve their country. These military stories are kept alive by the objects they left behind, preserved by later generations of the family.

 

The Beginning: Major G. Washington Peter

G. Washington Peter, born 1779, was the younger brother of Tudor Place’s first owner, Thomas Peter. Early in his life, he had a desire to join the military, running off at just 15 years old to try to join the Maryland troops and help defeat the Whiskey Rebellion. Though
he was sent home by George Washington from the Whiskey Rebellion, it would be through Washington’s recommendation that Washington Peter received his first commission to 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army from President John Adams. While there seems to be no trace of this commission, his later commission to Captain from Thomas Jefferson is well preserved and complements his later letters while he was serving as the commanding officer at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where he set up the first light artillery unit in the country. After leaving Fort McHenry, he later resigned his commission to protest the sale of his unit’s horses, but his drive for service never stopped. He organized a unit of the Georgetown Militia which was one of very few units to return fire with the British at the Battle of Bladensburg on August 14, 1814 before their march on Washington(1). Though his military service came to a close, George Peter held onto a seating chart from the 19th Congress where he served as a representative from Maryland where he worked alongside prominent future leaders including Sam Houston, James Buchanan and James Polk(2).

Family Tragedy: Captain William G. Williams

Captain William G. Williams found love with America P. Peter, one of the daughters of Thomas and Martha Peter right after he graduated from the Military Academy at West Point in 1824. From there he was assigned as a Topographical Engineer in Buffalo, New York. At the start of the Mexican American War in April 1846, William Williams was under the command of General Zachary Taylor whose unit was brought to Mexico. In September 1846, Taylor’s unit, including Captain Williams, was in Monterrey, Mexico. On September 21, Captain Williams was sent on reconnaissance mission and found himself in an unfortunate position when the Mexican troops started firing from Fort Teneria. General Braxton Bragg explained the story of Captain Williams’ death in a letter that included a map to Captain Williams’ son Laurence Abert Williams in 1854. He wrote in high regard of the Captain at the end of the letter saying “most nobly did he meet his fate, forgetting himself and his suffering when the cause required”(3). Accompanied by his sword, portrait and buttons from his Topographical Engineer Uniform the story of a man who gave his life for the United States at 45 years old resonated and was preserved through the family line.

Women in the War: Agnes Peter and Caroline Peter

In World War I and II, women were not able to serve on the front lines, but many women found ways to contribute to the war effort on the home front. Agnes Peter, Armistead Peter Jr.’s sister, enrolled in a boarding school in Tarrytown, New York which taught her skills like typing, driving and automobile repair. When the program concluded in summer 1918, Agnes was ready to travel to Europe to put her skills to use, but by the time her paperwork arrived, the Armistice had been signed. Yet, Europe still needed help after the war. Since she had all of her paperwork, Agnes traveled to France under the YMCA and helped people and communities there until 1921. Agnes’ passport with its cancellation stamped in 1921 shows her dedication to the work she was doing alongside the ribbons and honors she received for her humanitarian work in France(4). It was women who provided crucial humanitarian work to help countries and families rebuild following the turmoil of war. Agnes might not have been a soldier, but her wartime dedication and passion followed her family legacy of service. Caroline Peter, wife of Tudor Place’s final owner, Armistead Peter 3rd, served in a similar role as a nurse for the American Red Cross during both World War I and World War II(5). She served in these roles at the same time her husband, Armistead Peter 3rd, was serving in the U.S. Navy. As the last private owners of Tudor Place, Caroline and Armistead continued the family legacy of patriotism and service as they both served during those wars. The Peter family, over more than a century, proudly embraced military service and a deep love for their country that was preserved through generations.

– Alex Brandis, Spring 2024 Collections Intern

Source List:
1. MS-4 Finding Aid; Major George Peter Biographical Sketch
2. House of Representatives Seating Map, 19th Congress by A.J. Stansbury 1825 (MS4, Box 3,
Folder 22, Document 3)
3. Braxton Bragg to Laurence Albert Williams Describing the Battle of Monterey, September 24,
1954 (MS12, Box 1, Folder 7)
4. Agnes Peter’s World War I United States Passport, 1918
5. MS-22 Finding Aid; Caroline Ogden-Jones Peter Biographical Sketch

12 After-Hours Museum Events to Look Forward to This Fall

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Washingtonian Magazine Logo in dark blue

Art soirees, African-inspired concerts, and an adults-only Halloween party at the Zoo are upcoming.

Written by  | Published on 

Washington’s many museums are great places to learn about history and culture—and also surprisingly good spots for after-hours fun. As summer fades into fall, our public and private institutions alike are offering an array of nighttime programing and activities.

 

NMWA Night

1250 New York Ave., NW

Attendees at the May NMWA Nights. Photograph by Derek Baker for NMWA.

The National Museum for Women in the Arts introduced its monthly extended-hours series earlier this year, and its keeping the party going through fall. Hear work from spoken-word poets like Roya Marsh on September 18, try embroidery-focused workshops in honor of the special exhibition Suchitra Mattai: Myth from Matter on October 16, and catch an early glimpse of the photography exhibit Samantha Box: Confluences while learning some tricks of the trade on November 20. Tickets go on sale two weeks in advance, and are $25 general admission or $22 for students, seniors, or DC residents. Two drink tickets are included with entry.

Live! at the Library

101 Independence Ave., SE

Every Thursday, the Library of Congress invites visitors to take in nighttime views of its elaborate Great Hall and exclusive Main Reading Room, all while enjoying happy hour drinks and performances. Free online tickets for the event are first-come, first-served. Upcoming programs include an acoustic jam session and a celebration of Hispanic poetry with Former US Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera. The high-demand Film Costume Ball —where guests don costumes from the silver screen and dance to music from notable film soundtracks—is set for September 12; a special lottery for free tickets closes this Thursday, August 29.

“Sounds of Africa” Concert Series

950 Independence Ave., SW

To commemorate its 60th anniversary, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is hosting monthly, after-hours concerts inspired by the musical genres of the African Diaspora. Listen to Go-Go, Afrobeat, and more on September 28, October 26, and November 16. Tickets are free, and refreshments will be available for purchase.

National Gallery Nights

6th St. and Constitution Ave., NW

Gallivant around the National Gallery on the second Thursday of every month at this highly popular event. This season’s themes are “A Night in Paris,” a preview of the upcoming exhibition Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment, on September 12; “Día de los Muertos Celebration,” a festive ode to Mexican and Indigenous traditions, on October 10; and “To the District, with Love,” which honors the city the Gallery calls home, on November 14. Free tickets are available through a lottery, which opens a week before each party. If you don’t get tickets, there are always a few first-come, first-served passes at the door, and public programming is sometimes available in the outdoor plaza.

Wordplay Wednesday at Planet Word

925 13th St., NW

This linguistic museum keeps its doors open late on the first Wednesday of each month. Guests can enjoy karaoke, puzzles, and word-based games until 8 PM. A op-up bar from Immigrant Foods will be selling beer, wine, and soda. Tickets are by-donation, and you can also book a spot in the museum’s immersive puzzle experience Lexicon Lane for an extra $30.

Phillips After 5

1600 21st St., NW

Guests in the galleries during Phillips after 5. Photograph by AK Blythe.

Dupont Circle’s Phillips Collection hosts themed parties on the first Thursday of every month for $20 per guest. On September 5, you can reminisce about your own high school dances at a special “Homecoming” event, complete with rum punch, boutonniere-making, and tunes from local indie-rock group “Home Remedies.” The themes for October, November, and December events have yet to be announced. You can also peruse the intimate gallery—including special exhibits—for free from 5-8 PM on the Third Thursday of each month.

Tudor Nights

1644 31st St., NW

In its after-hours program, Georgetown’s Tudor Place gives visitors an exclusive look at rare artifacts, followed by themed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow” on October 3 is centered on hair and hair accessories from the Tudor archives, including locks from George Washington’s head. The final event of the year–“Tudor Lights”–will fuse classic holiday programming with odes to the disco scene: see the 19th century home adorned in mirror balls, and explore ephemera from 1970s DC. Tickets are $25.

Heurich House Museum

1307 New Hampshire., NW

This historic Dupont home once belonged to German brewmaster Christian Heurich, and its fall event lineup is paying homage to those hoppy origins: On August 29, the museum is teaming up with the US Botanical Garden for “History & Hops”, which includes tastings, house tours, and lectures about the strange botanical history of beer ($35). On September 18, its throwing a launch party for a new revival beer “Maerzen” with unlimited tastings of the historic brew ($50). Meanwhile, free “Get Crafty!” events on September 18 and October 16 bring together a fitting combination: craft beers and arts-and-crafts.

 

Night at the Museum: Back to the 90s

1901 Fort Pl., SE

The Anacostia Community Museum turns 57 this year, and they’re throwing it back to the 1990s on September 19 for a rad birthday bash. Party guests can enjoy nostalgic tunes and snacks before exploring the museum’s locally-focused displays, including this year’s special exhibition Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education In Washington, D.C. 1900 -200. Entry is free, but reservations are highly encouraged.

 

Spooky Soirée at the Postal Museum

2 Massachusetts Ave., NE

Every year, the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum’s Guest Artist program spotlights the underappreciated (yet very useful!) craft of stamp artistry. This year’s pick—mid-century-style artist Katie Kirk—is hosting a Halloween party on October 3 as part of her residency. Eerie crafts and specialty drinks will be available at the museum from 6-8 PM. Registration is encouraged. You can also find Kirk at the museum’s free, family-focused Holiday Stamps Festival on September 14, where visitors can play games and get a sneak peek of her new, festive stamp collection from 10 AM – 4PM.

 

A Speakeasy Evening at NMAAHC

1400 Constitution Ave., NW

This annual event from the National Museum of African-American History and Culture pays homage to the inclusive and impactful history of Black LGBTQ+ nightlife. Pull out your bell-bottoms, because this year’s party is all about the disco. On October 10, guests can attend a panel on the intersectional legacy of the discotheque, boogie on the dance floor, and take part in a communal art activity for author James Baldwin’s 100th birthday. Tickets are free, but registration is required.

 

Night of the Living Zoo

3001 Connecticut Ave., NW

Calling all party animals: The National Zoo is officially resurrecting its adults-only Halloween party on October 25. Haunting circus acts, spooky scenes, and an open cocktail bar are all included in the $65 ticket price. Plan ahead: limited tickets go on sale August 29 at 10 AM on the Zoo website. For a more family-friendly atmosphere, the Zoo’s trick-or-treating extravaganza Boo at the Zoo will also be back October 18-20 for $35 per ticket.