Cleveland Park Historical Society

You are invited to a Children’s Walking Tour of Cleveland Park on Sunday, April 19 from 1:30–3:00 PM.

Offered in partnership with the Washington Architectural Foundation and Friends of Cleveland Park Library, this interactive tour is designed especially for children ages 9–12. Beginning at the Cleveland Park Library, tour leader and architect, Mary Kay Lanzillotta, will provide a brief overview of neighborhood history and architectural terms. Then, young explorers and their families will set out on a neighborhood adventure to discover how architects design homes and buildings. Each child will receive an illustrated booklet to guide them in searching for architectural clues along the route.

While most of our walking tours are reserved for members, this is the only tour of the year that is open to the broader community. Bring your kids, grandkids, or neighbors! Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/childrens-walking-tour-of-cleveland-park-tickets-1985281154375?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

You are invited to our Antiques Appraisal Day on Saturday, March 21 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM). Join us at Cleveland Park Congregational UCC for a lively, “Antiques Roadshow”-style morning featuring two expert appraisers (Christopher Lancette, Orion’s Attic and Steve Gouterman, Paradigm Experts).

The program begins with a short presentation on trends in antiques and collectibles, smart selling strategies, and what to know when downsizing or managing an inherited estate. Then, bring one item — art, jewelry, coins, books, memorabilia, or other collectibles — for an estimate of its value.

Tickets:
Ticket includes one item for appraisal and admission to the presentation. This is a fundraiser for us and your ticket directly benefits the Historical Society’s work.

$40 for CPHS Members
$50 for Nonmembers

Antiques Appraisal Day Have you ever wondered if that antique painting, vintage brooch, or military relic gathering dust could be worth a fortune? Come find out!

Cleveland Park is a neighborhood shaped by both its history and its people. The Cleveland Park Historical Society’s (CPHS) mission is to help neighbors understand that history and celebrate what makes the area distinctive. Whether you’ve lived in Cleveland Park for decades or arrived more recently, membership is an invitation to be part of a community conversation about where we’ve been and where we’re going.

What Your Membership Supports https://www.clevelandparkhistoricalsociety.org/membership

Membership dues make it possible for CPHS to offer programs and resources that are educational and community-focused, including:

Walking tours, talks, and events that explore Cleveland Park’s architecture, planning history, and social history
Research and publications, including our biannual newsletter Voices, that document and share stories from across the neighborhood
Engagement with city processes by providing historical background and context to help inform public conversations about growth and change
Traditions like the Gingerbread House Festival that bring neighbors together across generations

A Welcoming Community

At its core, CPHS is about connection: learning from one another, sharing knowledge, and building community. Members support programming that invites neighbors to engage with Cleveland Park’s history, and helps the broader public better understand the forces that have shaped the neighborhood.

Join Us and Enjoy a Year of Engaging Programs and Events

Membership runs for the full 2026 calendar year:
$65 – Individual
$100 – Household

If you’re interested in Cleveland Park’s past, curious about its future, or looking for ways to connect with neighbors and local history, we hope you’ll join us!

Cleveland Park Historical Society Preserving the history and architecture of Cleveland Park, Washington DC

On Sunday, June 22nd, the Cleveland Park Historical Society hosted a group of brave walkers on a tour highlighting the Architectural Gems of Connecticut Avenue, led by Steve Knight of the Art Deco Society of Washington DC. In spite of the extreme heat (90 degrees and counting!) spirits remained high and the group reveled in Steve’s insights into the design styles punctuating our beautiful main street. Highlights included the Kennedy-Warren (pictured), the Uptown Theatre, Sedgwick & Tilden Gardens, and the Klingle Valley Bridge. With a variety of architectural styles ranging from Art Deco to Colonial or Georgian Revival to Arts and Crafts, the diversity of buildings along Cleveland Park’s commercial corridor is part of what makes our neighborhood so special. In case you missed it, we hope to see you at our upcoming walking tours! Please see our events page for details: https://www.clevelandparkhistoricalsociety.org/events.

Did you know that DC has hidden alleyways that are filled with history? At our Annual Membership Meeting this Thursday, June 12th, author Kim Prothro Williams will join us to share how some of these alleys operated like their own mini communities within the city, from housing DC’s poorest residents to catering to the wealthy. Discounted copies of Kim’s latest book, “Hidden Alleyways of Washington, DC” will be available for purchase. This event is open to Cleveland Park Historical Society members and their guests – join us to get access to exclusive events, walking tours, and more! See the link in bio to sign up.