ADA House

We love our nation's capital and want to share our favorite places with you. There are so many great spots, there is no way we could list them all. We have not listed anywhere in this guide where we would not go ourselves.

• ADA Guide to Washington, DC (PDF)

137 C Street, SE was built in 1878 by Levi Woodbury Wheeler, who served as a captain in the Confederate Army.

• Wheeler's father, John, was U.S. Minister to Nicaragua as well as the State Treasurer of North Carolina.
• Wheeler's grandfather, Thomas Sully, was a famous artist who painted the portrait of Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill.

The house was sold at the turn of the century to John McAuliffe.

• McAuliffe's son, Anthony Clement McAuliffe, served as a general in World War II, leading soldiers into battle on D-day and the "Battle of the Bulge."
• During the Battle of the Bulge, General McAuliffe was given a message from the Germans for him to surrender.
• McAuliffe’s reply to the German Army Generals was only one word, "NUTS!"

In 1967, the house was sold to Rogers Morton, who at the time was a Representative from Maryland. Morton later served in the Presidential Administrations of Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford as:

• Secretary of the Interior: January 1971 - April 1975.
• Secretary of Commerce May 1975 - February 1976.
• Advisor to the President: February – March 1976.

In 1973, the house was sold to Congressman Pete Stark of California, who lived and entertained in the house while Congress was in session.

In 1997, Congressman Stark sold it to Robert Thompson, who served as a Director of Legislative Affairs in the Reagan White House. Thompson eventually sold the house to The National Prayer Center.

On April 15, 2015, the ADA purchased the house.

Interesting Fact

The white marble mantel pieces in the Dining room and front Parlor were given to the house from the Washington D.C. home of President Ulysses S. Grant.

The ADA House is a multilevel venue that has the ability to host a variety of events such as breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, receptions and meet-and-greets.

Facilities

The first level of the house includes a large living room, a dining room that can seat up to 22 guests, a full-kitchen, library and an ADA compliant restroom.

The upstairs consists of a conference room, a study and two additional restrooms.

The house also has a newly renovated back patio that can be accessed through the library and the kitchen.

Rates

The rental rates vary depending upon the type and length of event. For more information please contact Cynthia Taylor at taylorc@ada.org.

Policies and Guidelines

View the policies and guidelines for using the ADA House (PDF). The policies and guidelines address maximum occupancy, catering, use of technology, and more.

Inquiries

Purchase your own personalized double paver brick, which can be laid on the front or back patio depending on your participation level.

Money raised from this campaign will be reinvested into the ADA House for future renovations and upkeep.

The ADA House is not staffed at all times. If you are planning to be in the DC area and would like to tour the ADA House, please contact us 1-2 weeks ahead of time so that we are able to make the necessary arrangements for your visit.

For more information and to set up a visit, please contact Cynthia Taylor at 202.789.5172 or taylorc@ada.org.

The ADA House is located at 137 C Street SE in Washington, DC – directly behind the Library of Congress, one block from the Cannon House Office Building, and one block from the Capitol South Metro station.

Two-hour visitor street parking is available in the surrounding area.

For questions regarding the ADA House, please contact:

Cynthia Taylor
Manager, Membership and Compliance/Property and Events
American Dental Political Action Committee
Phone: 202.789.5172
Email: taylorc@ada.org