Once serving as the Embassy of Hungary and Brazil, the Meridian Hill House is an 18,000-square-foot Renaissance Revival-style landmark boasting 40 rooms. Designed by renowned architect George Oakley Totten Jr., the house stands as one of his many architectural contributions to Washington, D.C., including several grand mansions surrounding Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park.

The property was developed by Mary Foote Henderson, widow of the Missouri senator who introduced the 13th Amendment granting African Americans the right to vote. She resided in a Romanesque-style castle, built in 1888 with Senator Henderson, located at the corner of 16th Street and Florida Avenue (remnants of its rampart walls remain today). Inspired by the City Beautiful Movement, Mrs. Henderson envisioned Meridian Hill as Washington’s cultural epicenter. Her most notable achievement was lobbying Congress to establish Meridian Hill Park, celebrated as America’s first national park for the performing arts.

Historical Significance

The area surrounding the Parks Center is rich with history:

• Meridian Hill’s Name: Originates from Thomas Jefferson’s vision to designate the hilltop as the Earth’s Prime Meridian, atop the ancient natural north-south meridian of the the Potomac River.
• Significant Landmarks: A Native American sacred ground for the Nacotchtank nation and a historic African American community, the hilltop is also birthplace of both George Washington University and an African American theological seminary.  It was a Civil War Union Army hospital.
• Notable Figures:
  • Colonel Robert Gould Shaw camped on the hilltop before leading the 54th Massachusetts Regiment (featured in Glory).
  • Presidents including John Quincy Adams and John F. Kennedy called it home.
  • Writers from Joaquin Miller, “Poet of the Sierras,” to Carlos Fuentes and Ethelbert Miller found inspiration here.

The Center’s Restoration and Features

The Josephine Butler Parks Center has undergone an award-winning restoration, returning it to its former splendor. The interior has been thoughtfully adapted for modern uses while preserving its historic charm.

Key features include:

• Multi-purpose performance and special event spaces
• Art exhibition and gallery spaces
• Assistance for after-school and summer programs
• A neighborhood park revitalization hub
• Support for  job training and educational services
• Non-profit incubator 

Restoration efforts include:

• Historic moldings, terrazzo, marble, glazed terracotta, and parquet
• Upgraded heating and cooling systems
• Enhanced lighting and landscaping

Book the Parks Center

The Josephine Butler Parks Center is the perfect venue for weddings, receptions, and a diverse programs of all kinds. Members of Washington Parks & People receive priority booking (Not a member? Join today).

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