WE ARE PLEASED TO BE OFFERING BOTH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE OPTIONS FOR THIS EVENT! PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS TO JOIN EITHER VENUE.
First-class hotels are a great barometer of the social and cultural life of a city, including the evolution of architectural style and building technology. Washington DC is particularly notable because distinguished visitors—government officials, diplomats, and lobbyists—are critical to the city’s role as the nation’s capital. The city’s hotels have served as important social centers, hosting events ranging from weddings and concerts to inaugural balls and the state dinners. In this context, wealthy developers and investors have vied to build the city’s best hotels, often facing daunting financial risks. Historian John DeFerrari will sample some of the highlights from his new book, Palaces of the Public: A Cultural History of Washington, DC's Hotels, focusing on the city's best-known hotels and their architecture, from early taverns and the “invention” of the modern hotel to a few of the marquee hotels of the 20th century.
About the Speaker
John DeFerrari was born and raised in Washington DC and has had a lifelong interest in the history of his native town. He earned a master’s degree in English literature from Harvard University and for many years directed reviews of federal government programs. In addition to penning the popular Streets of Washington Substack blog and working on historic landmark nominations for the DC Preservation League, DeFerrari is author of four previous books: Lost Washington, D.C. (2011), Historic Restaurants of Washington, D.C. (2013); Capital Streetcars: Early Mass Transit in Washington, D.C. (2015); and Sixteenth Street NW: Washington, DC’s Avenue of Ambitions (2022), which he co-authored with D. Peter Sefton.
IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE
The lecture will take place at The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Second Floor, 945 G Street NW, Washington, DC. Reservations are not required. $10.00 for Latrobe Chapter members, student members (full time) free with ID, $15.00 for non-members. Doors will open at 6:30 pm for socialization and refreshments; lecture will begin at 7:00 pm.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE
Virtual attendance is free but advance registration is required to participate. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the lecture. Virtual lecture will begin at 7:00 PM. Please note that this event will not be recorded.