The James
Madison
Reception
Room.
The unassumingly modern facade of the Harry S. Truman Federal Build-
ing, home of the U.S. Department of State, conceals one of Washington,
D.C.’s, most important—and beautiful—collections of early American
art, furniture and historic artifacts. The department’s 42 Diplomatic
Reception Rooms are (partially) open to the public, but they are not a
museum per se. Rather, they are, in the words of Ambassador Capricia
Penavic Marshall, U.S. chief of protocol, “a living museum” that is used
“every day, all day, to set the stage for diplomacy at the highest level.”
This is where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton does her work, as
her predecessors have since 1961. That’s when the formerly austere
seventh and eighth floors of the State Department’s headquarters
were remade with interior details that celebrate and reflect the era of
America’s founding generation.
When the elevator opens to the eighth floor, visitors find themselves in another time and place—specifically, 18th-century Virginia,
as the dramatically raised ceilings and floors laid in King of Prussia
marble draw direct inspiration from that state’s historic mansion,
Marmion. Subsequent rooms and passageways similarly draw on
actual houses from throughout the original 13 states and are dedicated
to founders such as Je;erson, Franklin and Madison. Throughout, one
encounters treasures that tell America’s story to foreign dignitaries
and visiting schoolchildren alike.
“There’s really no other collection that shares the American story
and celebrates American craftsmanship in such a unique way,” says
Marcee Craighill, curator of the rooms. The silent ambassadors, as she
calls them, are maintained entirely through private donations and celebrated their 50th anniversary in October.
The collection is, to be sure, “fine art in service to the diplomatic art,”
says Craighill. But encountering a co;eepot crafted by Paul Revere for
John and Abigail Adams, or standing in front of the
George III tambour writing table upon which the
Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Revolutionary War, are experiences that
are bound to move any American as
well. Tours are o;ered daily, Monday through Friday. 202-647-3241;
diplomaticrooms.state.gov
—Eric Wybenga
D.C.’s, most important—and beautiful—collections of early American
A silver co;eepot, made by Paul Revere
and owned by John and Abigail Adams.;
All photos courtesy of the Diplomatic
Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of
State, Washington, D.C.
MADISON/DURS TON SA YLOR; COFFEEPO T/ WILL BRO WN
Not Just
Another Hotel
Overlooking the picturesque Public
Garden, Taj Boston is just moments
away from the theater district,
shopping, fine dining, museums
and other popular attractions.
To learn more, call 617.536.5700
or visit tajhotels.com/boston.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Welcome Healthy Amenity
Daily Continental Breakfast
for Two in The Café
High-Speed Internet Access
One Suit Pressing
BUSINESS EDGE PACKAGE*
At the Corner of
Arlington and Newbury
