The History and Architecture of Georgetown and Washington 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 worth further investigation.

Although patinaed by time, the qualities of the built environment in Georgetown reflect a rich townscape, beauty in the use of natural materials, charm in human scale and form, complex building types, and familiar construction methodologies. This mature assemblage of building blocks holds lessons that all of us can learn from.

Speakers in the series will include esteemed historians, architects, and planners who will share their insights. It will include 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 (Sept 7 to Nov 2) are free and open to the public but registration is required through Eventbrite. The lecture series will be held at the historic City Tavern Club, 3206 M Street NW, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.

Attendees are welcome to join the lecturer and hosts for dinner following the lecure by making your separate dinner reservation through Eventbrite.