If you want something fun to do on the weekend, spring break, or summer vacation, look no further than The Mansion on O street, and the O Museum in the Mansion in Washington, DC.
Edward Clark, the architect of the Capitol, originally designed these buildings in 1892 for himself and his family. The three row houses were connected through the basements and main floors.
In 1980, H.H. Leonards purchased one of the rowhouses. By 1994, Leonards had purchased the original rowhouses owned by Edward Clark, along with two others. The end result is a property that consists of five interconnected row houses with over 100 rooms and more than 80 secret doors. The Mansion has hosted freedom fighters, artists, scholars, and musicians.
From 1994 to 2004, Rosa Parks and Elaine Steele, founders of The Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute (RRPI), called the O Mansion their home away from home as part of the O Mansions Hero-in Residence program. As a result of the work done with Parks, Steele and their staff, Cultural Tourism DC has designated the O museum in the Mansion a historic 20th Century Civil Rights site on the African American Heritage trail.
When visiting the O Mansion, you can see the bedroom where Parks stayed while in residence there. A television in the room tells the story of the civil rights movement and the critical role Parks played. In addition, you can walk through the room where Ms. Parks met with members of Congress and the White House and had conversations with the Vatican regarding working with the Pope on how to combat racism and support human rights. The room is a historical testament to the work Ms. Parks and her friends and staff did to improve the lives of African Americans.
When visiting, you should expect to spend hours at the O Mansion. You can explore on your own or schedule a tour. If you choose to explore on your own, you will start your journey in one location in the Mansion and will quickly become lost in all there is to see. Each room is filled with art, history, music, and even a little Disney magic. And just when you think you have seen everything, you will find a bookcase or mirror that opens to a secret room you haven’t visited yet.
In addition to daily tours, the O Mansion can be rented out for parties, special occasions, or just an overnight stay.
At the O Mansion, one of the biggest selling points are the pop culture relics scattered throughout the entire mansion. Things such as signed guitars from musicians like Elvis Presly, Prince, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead and many more. A baseball signed by Stan Lee can be found in a room showcasing his work as a comic book writer and publisher.
Rooms are available to rent for the night, or longer if desired. The O Mansion’s strict privacy policy allows for a quiet, private stay for many powerful and famous people. In addition to regular run of the mill bedrooms, the O Mansion also specializes in themed rooms. The Graceland room is filled with Elvis and Marilyn Monroe pieces, while the Lennon room is filled with pieces from John Lennon.
Another thing to expect to see at the O Mansion are the arts. Throughout the O Mansion and Museum in the Mansion, you will find books, art, musical instruments, and stuffed animals galore. Almost everything you see is for sale. Most of the items were donated and when sold, the proceeds go to the various programs the O Museum supports. One such program is the Museum in Residence Programs. The Museum has an Artist in Residence program that helps anyone with a creative vision, by giving them a place to stay, at no cost. In addition to musicians, and artists, they have welcomed attorneys, scientists, athletes, writers, and politicians.
The Heroes in Residence Program provides a safe, private, and supportive space for selected soldiers, service people, first responders, and those who work to serve others. Again, the Heroes are welcomed at no cost.
So, whether you spend the day, the night, or the entire weekend, The O Mansion and the O Museum in the Mansion are sure to keep you entertained no matter how long you go. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Article written by Morgan Butler of Einstein High School
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor