At 1776 D Street NW in Washington, DC, the Daughters of the American Revolution headquarters houses a museum of American decorative arts and a research library. Its 31 period rooms trace domestic interiors from the 17th century into the early 20th, with furniture, textiles, ceramics and other objects made for everyday use. The rooms give you a close look at how American homes changed across the centuries. Museum admission is free, and a guided tour can add context to the displays.
American homes across the centuries
The museum’s 31 period rooms present American interiors from the 17th century through the early 20th century. Each room brings together objects associated with domestic life, including furniture, textiles, quilts, silver, china, porcelain, glass and ceramics.
The settings range from a New England hall dating to the 1690s to a Texas bedroom from the 1860s and an Ohio parlor from the 1920s. As you move between them, notice how furnishings and household objects change from one period and region to another.
A collection of everyday objects
The museum focuses on decorative arts and items made and used in American homes before industrial production became widespread. Rather than looking only at individual pieces, consider how the objects work together within each room: furniture, tableware and textiles all help convey the character of a domestic interior.
The collection includes handcrafted objects such as paintings, silver, ceramics and textiles. Galleries and exhibitions add further context to the rooms. Exhibitions change, so check the museum’s current information before planning around a particular display.
Tours, research and access
Guided tours are available six days a week and can help explain the objects and the rooms’ historical settings. The museum is free to visit. Visitors pass through security and receive a badge before entering.
The library holds family ancestry material as well as state, county and town records. Visiting the library is free, but taking photographs of book contents carries a daily fee. The accessible entrance is on C Street; an elevator, ramps and smooth flooring are available inside.
FAQ
Is the DAR Museum free to visit?
Yes. The museum is free to visit. Entry includes security screening and a visitor badge.
How long should I spend at the DAR Museum?
About an hour is enough to look through the period rooms.
What can I see at the DAR Museum?
The museum has 31 period rooms representing American interiors from the 17th to the early 20th century, along with decorative arts and exhibitions.
Can I use the DAR library for genealogy research?
The library has family ancestry records and state, county and town records. Visiting is free; photographing book contents carries a daily fee.
Is the DAR Museum wheelchair accessible?
An accessible entrance is on C Street. The building has an elevator, ramps and smooth flooring.
