national historic trust tours

Historic Perspectives, Modern Initiatives

When Woodrow Wilson and his wife Edith retired from the White House in 1921 they made this house their home. Just off the beaten path of Embassy Row in the heart of Washington, D.C. the house is historically preserved - a time capsule from 1924 that is open daily to visitors.

Since 1963, the National Trust has opened the doors of the Woodrow Wilson House to the public, examining the impact of his consequential presidency and, more recently, taking an honest appraisal of Wilson’s triumphs and shortcomings.

Today, we are proud to steward this site as a vibrant community resource and a model of preservation and historical collections.  We offer tours, programs, special events, rentals of the venue, exhibitions and educational programming.

Come visit us! Explore by taking a tour, engage with our education programs, discover our exhibitions, and celebrate a place and story that matters.

Schedule Your Guided Tour!

Discover The President Woodrow Wilson House! One-hour guided general tours and Specialty tours are available during the times below and by appointment. With over 8,400 items in the collection, our artifacts speak volumes about Woodrow Wilson’s presidency and legacy. Learn about the historic site. Come tour with us!

Normal Operating Hours: Sunday: Closed 1-Hour Guided Tours: Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays 30-Minute Highlight Tours: Mondays-Fridays (unless otherwise noted) Specialty Tours: Mondays-Thursdays No Self-Guided Tours

Holiday Operating Hours: Walk Weekend 2024: May 18-19 (Hours to be posted before weekend)

Active Military and Veterans: Free admission Call or e-mail for special appointments or group tours: 202-387-4062. Please note that group tours are $30/person.

Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace Exhibition and Gala: May 6

You are invited to the inaugural signature event of the season at the President Woodrow Wilson House on May 6, 2024. We are proud to honor the memory of Ambassador Esther Coopersmith for the first year of this event. Ambassador Coopersmith passed away on March 26, 2024.

Join us for a specular exhibition of international style, where cultural diversity and elegance unite, promoting global connection and bridging nations. Come see fashion examples from around the globe right in the heart of Embassy Row in Washington, D.C. Then step out into the spring night in the lovely back garden of the Wilson House for a gala party. Dress in your best "state dinner" attire and mingle with diplomats, politicians, fashion influencers, and the social elite of Washington, D.C. This event coincides with the Met Gala in New York City, but only in Washington, D.C. can you truly understand how fashion can have the power to create peace.

GRAND OPENING: February 3 Special Exhibit: "Moving Toward Transparency: Woodrow Wilson's Legacy at 100"

In this exhibition, we have meticulously curated a dual-sided narrative—one that pays tribute to the significant milestones of Wilson's presidency and, in equal measure, delves into the multifaceted controversies that have resonated through the decades. It is an exhibition that encapsulates both the brilliance and the complexities of Wilson's leadership, inviting us to examine, question, and contemplate.

In Remembrance: Ambassador Esther Lipsen Coopersmith (1930-2024)

It is with a heavy heart that we remember and honor the life and legacy of Ambassador Esther Coopersmith. Esther has been a lifelong neighbor on S Street and is the mother of one of our Advisory Council Members, Jonathan Coopersmith.

For over 70 years, Esther was an American diplomat, philanthropist, political lobbyist, and a champion for women's rights in many arenas. She bought people together from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. The Woodrow Wilson House chose her for this exact reason to be the first honoree of our new exhibition and gala: Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace on May 6. We are proud to honor her posthumously at this year's inaugural event. We will never forget her many accomplishments and her generosity as a neighbor on S Street. Click here for more information about Fashioning Power, Fashioning Peace .

In the News

75th Anniversary of The National Trust for Historic Preservation

Watch the promo video for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Woodrow Wilson House and staff features

Hidden Washington

Hidden Washington does a deep dive and a visit behind closed doors at the museum. Hosted by Elena Tibbetts DomoNaut presents "Hidden Home Histories": Woodrow

Listen to the full interview of Biographer Rebecca Robert's author, "Interview with NPR" set at the historic Woodrow Wilson House.

Five Best: Books on First Ladies Selected by Rebecca Boggs Roberts, the author of ‘Untold Power: The Fascinating Rise and Complex Legacy of First Lady

Each year, 10+ Wilson House Scholars work on meaningful projects shared with the wider community through Scholars in Action. We serve hundreds of DC-based teachers, as well as teachers following the National Standards for Civics & Government with our online lesson plans. This year over 75 Girl Scouts learned about civics, suffrage, and democracy. Urban explorers from all over the world visit our exhibitions and over 12,000 sets of eyes view our website each month!

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Grant: For the People, By the People

Marder-Vaughn Center for Historic Sites Interpretation and Education Grant: Teacher-in-Residence at Woodrow Wilson House

Thank you to the Gills Grant for enabling us to continue our mission, our vision, and our impact on the community.

15th Point Project

Not much has changed at the Wilson House in the last 100 years, except the conversation . Here's what people are talking about today :

Thank you so much to our tour guide – Her tour was simply magnificent. She knew every detail – and spoke with such clarity, warmth, and authority. Her considered personal conclusions on Mr. Wilson’s legacy were spell-binding. James – A Guest

It is a beautiful, beautiful property and we hope to visit again in the future. Our group had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for your help in coordinating. This is quite frankly, a hidden gem in DC. Heather, Broadcasters Association

I cannot tell you how much our group enjoyed the Woodrow Wilson House. What a tremendous amount of knowledge our guide has – he truly made the Woodrow Wilson House even better than we expected. Heather, Broadcasters Association

What Black Lives Matter is confronting is also opening up new possibilities for quite profound change in the United States.  Dr. Kristoffer Smemo, History Professor at the University of Washington in St. Louis

Out of every crisis we’ve ever had, there’s always been a catharsis afterwards. That’s not being a prophet, it’s simply just studying history and you’ll see that always happens. Garrett Peck, Author, Historian, Tour Guide, and Wilson House Board Member

If we only honor the big names and the loud women, we’re really missing what suffrage was all about – which is rights for all women. Laura Kumin, author of All Stirred Up: Suffrage Cookbooks, Food, and the Battle for Women’s Right to Vote

Many Americans don’t even realize America is full of so many paradoxes, but they are what makes America complicated but wonderful in diversity. Dr. Johnathan Wharton

America has its own problems but is making progress–taking one step backwards and two steps forward. Attorney Chris Richardson

For all of those individuals who are similarly interested in changing, shaping, having a dynamic impact on America, politics is the place to do it. Brenda Jones, author of Queens of the Resistance

You don’t need to treat blacks and women special, just as equals. Ambassador Joel Danies

Past Events

Speaker series – korean cultural center and dana tai soon burgess dance co., speaker series – lanitra berger on audacities of color, errin haines from the 19th*, franchise: the golden arches in black america, take a video tour of the president wilson house.

Host Your Next Event at President Wilson House

At the President Wilson House you can entertain your guests in classic Washington style. Ideal for any size event, from small dinners to large receptions, Wilson House epitomizes the ‘Washington Scene’ and offers a unique glimpse into the history of our nation’s capital.

Whether it's a graduation, wedding, corporate dinner or milestone occasion, the President Wilson House offers an elegant setting for your special event. 

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For over four decades, National Trust Tours has offered life-enriching programs that explore the world’s fascinating traditions and cultures, with a special emphasis on art and architecture. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is the parent organization and works to protect America’s irreplaceable architectural and cultural heritage.

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Check out What’s Going on at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House

Thank you to our 2024 Needlework Show Sponsors.

Your generosity helps make this Show possible!

As a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we believe all Americans deserve to see their history in the places that surround us. At this historic site, we are dedicated to filling in the gaps of our site's cultural heritage, especially the stories of enslaved people as well as free Black communities and their descendants. We are home to two iconic properties and a working farm, all set on 126 historic acres in Alexandria, Virginia. Woodlawn, built in 1805, was gifted to Nelly Custis and Lawrence Lewis by George Washington. Woodlawn operated as a plantation where the couple enslaved over 90 men, women, and children of African descent. Also on the site is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Pope-Leighey House where visitors can explore and be inspired by the Usonian architecture and a vision for affordable, well-designed housing. We share the land with our partner Arcadia Farm for Sustainable Agriculture , whose mission is to create a more equitable and sustainable local food system. We also provide activities throughout the grounds and trails for learning, wellbeing, respite, and enjoyment of the natural environment and its history.

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At Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, a nationally significant site,

we believe that historic places and sites of all types and periods are obligated to be places of truth-telling and inclusivity. There is much to research, learn, and uncover, especially of the histories that are painful and difficult to discuss.  

We value, respect, and support the diverse views and contributions of our communities, and are at our best when supporting diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. 

Site Rentals

Schedule a tour of our property and see for yourself how our various event spaces can match your vision. We offer rentals for private, corporate, and nonprofit events. Connect with our team and start planning your event today!

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Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Each year, millions of travelers visit America’s historic places. The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines heritage tourism as “traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present.”  A high percentage of domestic and international travelers participate in cultural and/or heritage activities while traveling, and those that do stay longer, spend more, and travel more often. Heritage tourism creates jobs and business opportunities, helps protect resources, and often improves the quality of life for local residents.

The ACHP has encouraged national travel and tourism policies that promote the international marketing of America’s historic sites as tourism destinations. The ACHP also engages in ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive preservation program, reaching out to diverse communities and groups and engaging them in dialogue about what parts of our national legacy should be more fully recognized, preserved, and shared. 

The ACHP developed Preserve America , a national initiative to encourage and support community efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of America’s cultural and natural heritage. In partnership with other federal agencies, the initiative has encouraged the use of historic assets for economic development and community revitalization, as well as enabling people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through heritage tourism and education programs. These goals have been advanced by an Executive Order directing federal agencies to support such efforts, a community designation program, and a recognition program for outstanding stewardship of historic resources by volunteers.

From 2004-2016, over 900 Preserve America Communities   were designated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two territories, as well as nearly 60 Preserve America Stewards . Many Preserve America Communities are featured in “Discover Our Shared Heritage” National Register on-line travel itineraries . From 2006 through 2010, the National Park Service (in partnership with the ACHP) awarded more than $21 million in Preserve America Grants   to support sustainable historic resource management strategies, with a focus on heritage tourism. 

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; if they are not ACHP links, they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the ACHP of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. The ACHP bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content, including its privacy policies.

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A Tour Around the Treasure Houses of England

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The Treasure Houses of England are a collection of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles, each with its own unique charm, stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Most are still homes to the great families who have owned them for generations. Together, the houses display some of the most important art collections in the world, showcasing exquisite examples of fine furniture, porcelain, china and portraiture. On this captivating tour, we explore nine of these impressive places, alongside other historic gems, giving us a fascinating insight into life in England over the centuries.

Nights One and Two – Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke A grand Victorian manor house originally built as a private home, Audleys Wood Hotel is surrounded by lush woodlands and seven acres of private grounds on the edge of Basingstoke in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. The hotel has many period features and all bedrooms have been refurbished and offer a mixture of both modern and traditional features. Night Three – Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham Nights Four and Five – Ickworth Hotel, near Bury St Edmunds Set in the East Wing of the National Trust’s historic Ickworth House, the Ickworth Hotel is a luxury country house hotel that enjoys some spectacular views across the grounds of the estate. Each room is uniquely decorated, while the hotel features a spa with an indoor swimming pool to relax in. Nights Six to Eight – Middlethorpe Hall & Spa, near York Built at the end of the 17th century, Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is a beautiful red brick country house set in manicured gardens and parkland just two miles from York. One of the Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, the interiors of this luxury hotel are elegantly decorated and furnished with antiques and fine paintings. The health and fitness spa offers a swimming pool, sauna and gym. Night Nine – Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, near Melton Mowbray Night Ten – Hartwell House Hotel, near Aylesbury Night Eleven – Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor

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Depart your home city and arrive the next day in London

June 2: Arrival (depart U.S. on 6/1) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Audleys Wood Hotel where we stay for two nights. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.

After breakfast, we make our way to the Beaulieu Estate, set in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Here we enjoy a guided tour of Palace House, once the gatehouse of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey, and the ancestral home of the Montagu family since 1538.

RHS Garden Wisley and Leeds Castle

Today we travel first to RHS Garden Wisley, the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden. Extending over 240 peaceful acres – from beautiful rose gardens to tranquil woodland – Wisley offers a wealth of inspirational ideas on design and cultivation techniques. Our next stop is Leeds Castle, a moated castle set in 500 acres of glorious parkland. Dating back to the 12th century, it was once home to Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. The castle’s last private owner was Lady Baillie, an Anglo-American heiress who lovingly restored the castle to its former glory, and we discover more during our audio guided tour. From here, we travel the short distance to the Chilston Park Hotel where we stay overnight. After dinner at the hotel we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker.

Hatfield House

We travel northwards to Hatfield House, home of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury and their family. The house was built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, one of Elizabeth I’s most important advisors. There are superb examples of Elizabethan craftsmanship such as the Grand Staircase with its elaborate carving and the rare stained glass window in the private chapel, while the State Rooms are rich in paintings, fine furniture and tapestries and we learn more on our exclusive, out-of-hours Champagne guided tour. Hatfield is a sought-after filming location and has featured in many films and TV shows, including The Crown, Bridgerton, Rebecca, Anna Karenina and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. Later we check in to the stunning Ickworth Hotel on the Ickworth Estate – a magnificent National Trust property, where we stay for the next two nights.

Holkham Hall and Ickworth House

This morning we enjoy a private guided tour led by one of the most experienced Hall Stewards followed by refreshments at Holkham Hall, an elegant 18th-century country mansion and the current home to the 8th Earl of Leicester and his family. We then return to the Ickworth Estate, where we explore Ickworth House itself. This Neo-classical mansion is most notable for its enormous Rotunda commissioned by the 4th Earl of Bristol to house his priceless treasures.

Doddington Hall

Begun in 1595 by the great Elizabethan architect Robert Smythson, Doddington Hall was completed in 1600 and has never been sold or cleared out since. Still a much loved and lived-in family home, this fine Elizabethan mansion’s unfussy, symmetrical looking exterior contrasts with an elegant Georgian interior, full of captivating collections of weaponry, textiles, ceramics and family portraits that reflect 400 years of unbroken family occupation. We learn more on our guided tour of the hall and gardens. From here, we make our way to Middlethorpe Hall & Spa near York, where we stay for the next three nights.

Chatsworth House

Today we visit Chatsworth House with its grand interiors and extensive art collection. This magnificent treasure is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has witnessed 16 generations of the powerful Cavendish family. We also enjoy a light lunch here.

Castle Howard and York

Our first visit of the day is to Castle Howard, home to the Howard family for over 300 years, where we enjoy a private guided tour with refreshments and a complimentary guidebook. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, Castle Howard has twice appeared as Brideshead in film and television adaptations of Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel, as well as providing the backdrop for various scenes in the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton. This magnificent 18th-century residence, surmounted with its iconic gilded dome, offers world-renowned collections and stunning architecture, all set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking scenery. We then return to York. The city is steeped in history, from its founding by the Romans in 71AD to its wealth as a medieval wool trading center, and there is plenty of evidence of this fascinating past left to admire, including the Roman city walls and the surviving medieval streets known as the Shambles. A must-see is York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe and home to some of the most stunning stained glass windows that have led to the Minster being described as ‘the Sistine Chapel of England’. There is then free time to find somewhere for dinner in York.

Harewood House

When Edwin Lascelles started building Harewood House in 1759, he employed the finest craftsmen of the time: architect John Carr, interior designer Robert Adam, furniture maker Thomas Chippendale and visionary landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. The house is also filled with an outstanding art collection. Harewood is still home to the Lascelles family and reflects the changing tastes and styles of the past 250 years and we learn more on our tailor-made tour followed by lunch. Later we check in to the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel in Leicestershire where we stay overnight.

Burghley House

This morning we start our journey south, stopping to enjoy a guided tour of Burghley House, cited as England’s greatest Elizabethan house, surrounded by magnificent parkland. Home to William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, Burghley offers a unique glimpse into the way great houses have been lived in from the time of Elizabeth I to the present day. Here we have time to explore the breathtaking State Rooms and the house’s historic collection of paintings, ceramics and works of art, many of which still stand where they were first recorded in 1688. We continue on to Hartwell House & Spa, one of the National Trust’s Historic House Hotels, where we stay overnight.

Blenheim Palace

Our last visit is to Blenheim Palace, designed on an awe-inspiring scale by Vanbrugh and set in beautiful parkland landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. As the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, the palace is synonymous with the Churchill family and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A permanent exhibition commemorates the life of this famous wartime Prime Minister, whilst the magnificent State Rooms reveal a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture and we learn more on our audio-guided tour followed by a delicious afternoon tea. We then check in to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home.

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National Trust for Historic Preservation: Return to home page

Site navigation, america's 11 most endangered historic places.

This annual list raises awareness about the threats facing some of the nation's greatest treasures.

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The places where the National Trust for Historic Preservation works are architectural and cultural gems, ranging from our National Treasures program, to our portfolio of Historic Sites, to compelling corners of the community with unique stories we love to share. Explore and discover these historic places on the interactive map below. You’ll find new destinations, revisit old favorites, and—most importantly—learn why the places on this map matter.

The 1812 John Wickham House

Richmond , Virginia

The 1875 Vera Estey House Museum

Presque Isle , Maine

Abbie Gardner Sharp Cabin

Arnolds Park , Iowa

Acoma Sky City

Pueblo of Acoma , New Mexico

Adams Museum

Deadwood , South Dakota

African American Art & Culture Complex

San Francisco , California

African American Museum of the Arts

DeLand , Florida

African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School

Boston , Massachusetts

African Meeting House and Seneca Boston-Florence Higginbotham House

Nantucket , Massachusetts

A.G. Gaston Motel

Birmingham , Alabama

Aiken-Rhett House

Charleston , South Carolina

Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

Winter Park , Florida

1 - 12 of 439 places

Share your stories from Route 66! Whether a quirky roadside attraction, a treasured business, or a piece of family history, we are looking for your stories from this iconic highway.