Experience American history like never before with a private tour at the Woodrow Wilson House, exploring the lives of those who worked closely with the President and his family in 1920s Washington, DC.
Experience American history like never before with a private tour at the Woodrow Wilson House, exploring the lives of those who worked closely with the President and his family in 1920s Washington, DC.
Book with Woodrow Wilson House Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Woodrow Wilson House Museum · Washington, District of Columbia
Step into a unique 75-minute journey at the Woodrow Wilson House Museum in Washington, DC, where history comes alive through the eyes of those who lived and worked "under one roof." This private tour invites guests to explore the hidden quarters of the Wilsons’ historic home, uncovering the daily realities of cooks, butlers, and personal servants during the 1920s. As you move through the "backstairs," you'll gain eye-opening insights into the complex social dynamics shaped by race, class, and wealth in early 20th-century America. The experience offers an intimate and thought-provoking look at the people who supported President Woodrow Wilson and his wife Edith behind the scenes, far from the public eye. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about untold stories of domestic workers, this tour provides a rare glimpse into American history through a deeply personal lens. Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, the Wilson House offers a meaningful adventure that enriches understanding of social history and encourages reflection on the past’s impact on today.
easy.
1–1.5 hours.
Basic fitness level needed; most of the tour is walking with some stairs involved.
The tour is appropriate for older children who can appreciate history and follow the guide, but it may be less engaging for younger kids.
Mask policies may vary; check the Woodrow Wilson House website for current health and safety guidelines before your visit.
Photography inside is typically restricted to protect artifacts, but outdoor photography around the property is allowed.
Due to the historic nature of the home and presence of stairs, full accessibility is limited, so please contact the museum for specific accommodation requests.
Private tours can be booked directly through the Woodrow Wilson House Museum’s website or via affiliated booking platforms.
Street parking and public garages are available in the neighborhood, but public transit is recommended due to limited parking.
The Wilson House served as the residence of President Woodrow Wilson after his presidency, providing unique accounts of early 20th-century domestic life.
The museum actively preserves the historic structure and promotes sustainable practices by encouraging visitors to use public transit and minimizing environmental impact.
Woodrow Wilson House Museum in Washington, District of Columbia preserves the 1920s home of President Woodrow Wilson and First Lady Edith Wilson. A designated national historic landmark, the museum cares for more than 8,400 artifacts that document political, domestic, and cultural life in the early twentieth century. The museum offers a variety of public experiences, including guided one-hour and 30-minute tours, a 75-minute behind-the-scenes program, a Garden Self-Guided Tour, and themed events such as the Prohibition Tour & Wine Cellar and Vintage Game Night. Special programs include a Girl Scouts "Craft & Tinker" badge workshop for Juniors, an Architecture Tour of the Georgian Revival house, and interpretive tours like Under One Roof and The Struggle for Liberation that explore domestic staff, race, and women's lives across generations. Programming is led by professional staff and guest experts; the Museum Highlights Guided Tour is presented by Deputy Director Felice Herman. The museum offers weekly public tours, select thematic evenings, and private requests for deeper access. Conservation, contextual interpretation, and educational outreach guide operations, supporting reliable historical interpretation and artifact care. Visitors interested in presidential history, architectural detail, social history, or botanical interest in the sustainable native plant garden will find focused experiences that combine scholarship with accessible storytelling. Located on historic Embassy Row, the house retains period furnishings and textiles that create a 1920s time capsule. Tours and programs are appropriate for families, school groups, scholars, and adult learners seeking deeper context about Wilson's presidency and American social history and civic memory.
Book with Woodrow Wilson House Museum