Architectural historian Kim Prothro Williams will tell the fascinating tale of life in the region before it became the seat of national government when she presents CCHS' Spring Lecture, "The Lost Farms and Estates of Washington, D.C." at the Chevy Chase Village Hall, 5906 Connecticut Avenue, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 10.
"East Branch of Potomac R. Washington," Augustus Kollner, 1839
Library of Congress
The discovery of a springhouse from a mid-1800s farm two blocks off Wisconsin Avenue launched Williams on a search for other remnants of Washington’s rural past. After much effort and research, she and her team from the D.C. Historic Preservation Office identified some 84 structures that have survived to tell the tale of rural Washington. Williams new book, Lost Farms and Estates of Washington, D.C., details the history of the owners of these remaining buildings, sheds light on now-demolished buildings, and relates how the new capital area grew, including the role of slavery and the devastation of the Civil War.
A reception will follow the lecture, and light refreshments will be served. Copies of Williams' book will be available for sale and signing by the author. Prior to the lecture, CCHS will host a brief annual meeting at which the membership will elect directors-at-large. Questions concerning the program may be directed to CCHS at info@chevychasehistory.org or 301-656-6141.
