Historic sites have a responsibility to present history honestly, thoughtfully, and through multiple perspectives. At the President Woodrow Wilson House, we use the story of the 28th president, his administration, and the broader Wilson era to examine the complex forces that shaped America and continue to influence our society today.

Through exhibitions, public programs, tours, and educational initiatives, we encourage visitors to engage with history in all of its complexity, recognizing both achievement and injustice while considering how the past continues to shape the present.

Our exhibitions have explored a wide range of topics, including women’s suffrage, immigration, civil rights, diplomacy, democracy, and civic engagement. Recent exhibitions include Moving Toward Transparency: Wilson’s Legacy at 100, which examined the many dimensions of Wilson’s presidency through multiple perspectives, inviting visitors to consider both his accomplishments and the lasting consequences of his policies.

Building on that work, the Wilson House received a grant from the HumanitiesDC to develop Wilson’s Washington, America’s Struggle: Race and Civil Liberties in the Capital. Through original research and compelling personal stories, the exhibition examines Washington during the Wilson years through the experiences of African Americans, immigrants, women, labor leaders, Native peoples, military service members, and others whose lives illuminate the complexities of the era.

Beyond the museum, our educational initiatives extend into classrooms through the Marder Vaughn Civics Lessons, a collection of free online lesson plans and primary source resources that help students explore American history, civic engagement, constitutional principles, and the enduring questions of democracy.

Our Speaker Series brings together historians, scholars, journalists, artists, diplomats, and civic leaders to explore topics including race, civil liberties, immigration, democracy, diplomacy, and the continuing relevance of the Wilson era.

Through every exhibition, program, educational resource, and tour, we strive to foster thoughtful dialogue, encourage critical inquiry, and inspire visitors to engage with history as a tool for understanding today’s world.

We welcome your ideas and feedback as we continue this work. Please contact us at wilsonhouse@woodrowwilsonhouse.org.