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.
For more than two centuries, the Peirce–Klingle Mansion—originally known as Linnaean Hill—has stood nestled among the trees within a deep bend of Rock Creek. Constructed in 1823 of locally quarried schist, the house is firmly rooted in its landscape. Situated on what was then the remote edge of the young capital city, the property was home to Joshua Peirce, who operated a successful and nationally recognized tree nursery on the surrounding land.
Over subsequent decades, Peirce, together with family members and a household comprised of enslaved workers, expanded and cultivated the nursery. During this period, Linnaean Hill evolved in distinctive ways to meet changing needs.
In 1891, the federal government purchased the property as part of the establishment of Rock Creek Park. Since that time, the mansion has served multiple roles, including residence, nature center, and—most recently—park headquarters for Rock Creek Park. Despite its deep connections to the physical and cultural history of Washington, D.C., the Peirce–Klingle Mansion remains largely hidden from public view. The National Park Service recently completed a Historic Structures Report for the building. This lecture is an opportunity to share the findings of the report with the public. It will examine the history of the building and landscape as well as situate the mansion within the broader context as one of the District’s earliest surviving residences.
About the Speakers
The presentation will be jointly delivered by:
Cortney C. Gjesfjeld, Historical Landscape Architect specializing in cultural landscape preservation and landscape history; and
Elizabeth Milnarik, Ph.D., AIA, Architect and Architectural Historian based in Washington, D.C.
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.
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.