Living the History of the People’s House

The Face of Philanthropy: Making White House History Come Alive 1

Photograph courtesy of Decatur House

By Caroline Bermudez

The Decatur House has had many lives. Situated in a prime spot across from the White House in Washington’s Lafayette Square, it was first commissioned by Commodore Stephen Decatur Jr., a celebrated naval hero in the War of 1812. Over the years, it has served as an unofficial residence for secretaries of state, housed slaves, been used as a retirement home, stored Union Army uniforms, and played host to numerous diplomats.

Now the home’s current owner—the National