Skip to main content

Georgetown and Washington DC History and Architecture

The City Tavern Preservation Foundation and the Congress for the New Urbanism DC present a series of five lectures on the history and architecture of Georgetown and Washington DC.

This fall, enjoy a series of five lectures on the history and architecture of Georgetown and Washington DC presented by 
the City Tavern Preservation Foundation (CTPF) and the Congress for the New Urbanism DC (CNU DC).

Georgetown was founded in 1751, predating the establishment of the federal district by 40 years, and remained a separate municipality until 1871. 

Many of the country’s founding fathers met in Georgetown to negotiate the acquisition of land, review plans, and inspect buildings under construction for the new nation’s capital. The history and architecture of Georgetown and Washington, are intertwined and the qualities of the built environment in Georgetown reflect a rich townscape.

Speakers in the series include esteemed historians, architects, and planners who will share their insights. Included is the establishment of Georgetown as a tobacco trading post on 60 acres and its transformation into a transportation hub to export goods. The visually illustrated lectures will conclude with an overview of the architectural changes in Georgetown and Washington over the past three centuries.

The five lectures over eight weeks are free and open to the public but registration is required. Attendees are welcome to join the lecturer and hosts for dinner following the lecture by making a separate dinner reservation once you sign up for the lecture.

Speaker Schedule:
September 7: Dr. Christina Wilson 
September 20: Anthony “Ankie” Barnes & Michael Patrick 
October 5:  David Schwarz 
October 19:  TBD 
November 2:  Outerbridge Horsey

The lecture series will be held at the historic City Tavern Club, 3206 M Street NW, between 6:00 and 8:00 pm.

Dhiru Thadani, President, Congress for the New Urbanism, DC Chapter
Zana Meletski, President, City Tavern Preservation Foundation