DAR Constitution Hall Information
Designed by architect John Russell Pope and built in 1929, the Neoclassical-style DAR Constitution Hall is home to the largest auditorium in Washington. The structure is part of the NAR National Headquarters complex, which is near to the White House and covers a whole city block. The building’s cornerstone was laid by Calvin Coolidge’s First Lady on October 30, 1928, using the trowel George Washington used to lay the cornerstone at the Capitol in 1793, and the hall has been patronized by every U.S. President since Coolidge.
The National Symphony Orchestra was founded at DAR Constitution Hall in 1930, and called it home for over 40 years, as did the National Geographic Film Series. In addition to music concerts, the hall has been used for a number of activities, including conferences, school commencements, and televised events including: the Country Music Association Awards, HBO Specials with Eddie Murphy, Whitney Houston, Chris Rock and Robin Williams, Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Fast Money, the 2012 CNN Republican Presidental Debate and the National Sports Awards.
Located at 1776 D Street NW – close to the White House – the DAR Constitution Hall is an entertainment venue that has a lot of history. The hall was built in 1929 and was designed by John Russell Pope. Pope was an American architect whose firm was responsible for other well-known structures in Washington DC, such as the Jefferson Memorial.
The building itself was commissioned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, also known as the DAR. When their membership delegations grew larger than could be contained within the Memorial Continental Hall, a new building was needed for the annual DAR convention. And so, the DAR Constitution Hall was born!
Further down the line, the Memorial Continental Hall and the DAR Constitution Hall merged. They were connected by a third structure that went on to house the DAR Museum as well as the genealogical library and the administrative offices.
The venue has a structure that is in line with Neoclassical styles, and it is faced with Alabama limestone. The auditorium within the venue is the largest in Washington DC, and it is known for its unusual U-shaped balcony. This shape is necessary, as it allows the auditorium to have plenty of seats that maintain a well-balanced and practical line of sight.
The Daughters of the American Revolution
It is impossible to discuss the history of the DAR Constitution Hall without mentioning the DAR in a bit more detail. The venue would not exist if it wasn’t for them, after all.
The DAR are a service organization that is lineage-based. Only women who are direct descendants of American Revolutionary War patriots can be part of the organization.
The group is non-profit and known for its promotion of education on the American Revolution era as well as its dedication to patriotism. The DAR themselves also have a rich history. The group was founded on October 11th, 1890. It came about when the Sons of the American Revolution (a similar group for men) would not allow women into their organization.
This occurred in July 1890, and by October 1890, the DAR was founded by Mary Smith Lockwood, Ellen Hardin Walworth, Mary Desha, and Eugenia Washington. William O. McDowell –the great-grandson of female patriot Hannah White Arnett – helped form the DAR. He did this by publishing an article in the Washington Post offering to help create the group. By 1929, the hall opened and the DAR had a more substantial space.
Today, the DAR Constitution Hall is still operated and owned by the DAR organization. In 1985, the hall became a National Historic Landmark Building. This is an impressive feat, as it means that the building has been recognized by the United States government for its historical significance.
Importance in American History
Various well-documented historical moments have taken place at the DAR Constitution Hall.
In 1939, the DAR would not allow African American opera singer Marian Anderson to perform at the venue. This was during the era of racial segregation in the United States. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was appalled by this, and she resigned from the DAR in protest.
The First Lady went on to ensure that Anderson was able to perform, but she did so in an open-air concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Another racially charged event at the hall happened in 1941 when African American performer Paul Robeson was not allowed to perform.
The venue later reversed its policies surrounding racial exclusion. The aforementioned Marian Anderson performed at the hall multiple times following this policy reversal. She put on shows there in 1942, 1953, 1956, 1960, and one last time in 1964 as part of her farewell concert tour.
The hall is also well known for housing every president of the United States (as of 2024) since Calvin Coolidge, whose presidential term began in 1923. It is also the place where the National Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1930. The orchestra remained at the venue for more than 40 years.
Star appearances
A range of top personalities in the entertainment industry have made appearances at the DAR Constitution Hall. From sports personalities to comedians and singers, the venue has seen it all.
Some of the most well-known performers who have appeared include Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Ray Charles, Fleetwood Mac, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Elton John, and Muhammad Ali. The venue has also played host to the likes of the television show Jeopardy, fast food company McDonalds, and even the Dalai Lama!