Memorial Continental Hall, in Washington, DC, is not only a National Historic Landmark but the center of the largest women-owned city block of buildings in the country. It’s just two blocks from the White House, and if you’ve been to DC, you may have been struck by its majesty. Shows like The West Wing have filmed at Memorial Continental Hall, which sometimes stands in for the White House given its similarity and grandeur. Watch to the end to learn what monumental international conference was held there in November 1921. Marian Anderson is given center stage here, too–check out the DAR website to read all about her.
The Hall was built in large part to house America’s historic records, its relics and treasures. That’s not so different from what the early Hendrick Hudson Chapter wanted in its own chapter house, and what its benefactor Frances Chester White Hartley made possible when she donated the Robert Jenkins House to the chapter in 1900. A museum was formed there, and a wonderful collection has been assembled ever since. At the same time, the chapter’s public library was moved there. Tours are available–aside from publicly announced house tours during the summer season–by appointment. Email hendrickhudsonchapterdar@gmail.com or call (518) 828-9764 to make an appointment.
Hendrick Hudson Chapter, NSDAR 