Dumbarton Oaks - Gardener's Court and Central Plant
Address3239, S Street NW, Washington, DC, United States of America, 20007
Site Number00201
Building Root Number
00201
Architect (Original)
Unknown
Land Acquired
1940
Constructed 2005
Building Acquired 2005
Constructed 2005
Building Acquired 2005
StatusActive
Site Name HistoryThe site is partially named for the parcel of land it is built on, The Rock of Dumbarton, granted by Queen Anne in 1702. Historically the property was also referred to as The Oaks. It is also named after its function.Historical NotesDumbarton Oaks is a research institute in Washington, D.C. which is housed on the former estate of Robert Woods Bliss and Mildred Barnes Bliss. The Bliss’ gave the property to Harvard University in 1940. Additional Information
Gross, Gerald G. “Blisses Sign Deeds Transferring Estate: Dumbarton Oaks Becomes Property Of U.S. Harvard.” The Washington Post, 1 Dec. 1940, p. 5.
“Bliss Leaves Whole Estate to University.” The Harvard Crimson, 14 May 1962, https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1962/5/14/bliss-leaves-whole-estate-to-university/.
“Give Their Home to Harvard College.” Cambridge Chronicle, 5 Dec. 1940, p. 12.
Peak, Mayme. “Harvard’s $5,000,000 Gift: Ex-Ambassador Robert Woods Bliss Says the Donation Is to Provide Endowment for Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Art Collection.” Daily Boston Globe, 13 July 1941, p. B44.
“Harvard Gets Famous Estate as Center for Art Research: Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, D. C., Given to University by R. W. Bliss.” Daily Boston Globe, 1 Dec. 1940, p. 22.