Palaces of the Public is a lively, in-depth, highly illustrated, history and architectural tour of the city’s hotels, past and present. John DeFerrari explores the fascinating evolution of hostelries, from the taverns of the 18th century, to the boarding houses of the pre–Civil War era, to the creation of the modern hotel. Special chapters address the history of hotels for women, tourist hotels, and hotels run by and for African Americans in the days of segregation. Later chapters highlight the rise of motels in the mid–twentieth century, boutique hotels in recent years, and the impact of historic preservation on saving old hotel buildings.
Readers interested in Washington’s history, architecture, and historic preservation will be drawn to this book, with its unique perspective on how the city’s culture and society developed over time.
Doors open at 6 pm with the seated program to start shortly after. Following the conversation, DeFerrari will sign books in Memorial Hall. During registration, indicate if you plan to buy a book. This helps us estimate how many books to stock!
Indicate at registration if you plan to purchase a book onsite at DC History Center ($34.95, plus tax). Purchasing the book at our store supports our mission.
Palaces of the Public: A Cultural History of Washington, DC’s Hotels
A unique look at Washington’s landmark hotels and its cultural history
Any large city’s marquee hotels are a great barometer of its social and cultural life. Washington DC, is exceptional in this regard, because visitors—from officials, diplomats, and lobbyists to everyday tourists—are so critical to the city’s essential purpose as the nation’s capital. The city’s hotels have also been residences for locals and have served as important social centers, hosting events ranging from weddings and concerts to inaugural balls and the White House Correspondents Dinner.
Palaces of the Public is a lively, in-depth, highly illustrated, history and architectural tour of the city’s hotels, past and present. John DeFerrari explores the fascinating evolution of hostelries, from the taverns of the eighteenth century, to the boarding houses of the pre–Civil War era, to the creation of the modern hotel. Special chapters address the history of hotels for women, tourist hotels, and hotels run by and for African Americans in the days of segregation. Later chapters highlight the rise of motels in the mid–twentieth century, boutique hotels in recent years, and the impact of historic preservation on saving old hotel buildings.
John DeFerrari is a native Washingtonian with a lifelong passion for local history and historic preservation, which he writes about in his blog, “Streets of Washington.” He is the coauthor of Sixteenth Street NW: Washington, DC’s Avenue of Ambitions (2022) and several other books.
Kim Prothro Williams is an architectural historian and National Register coordinator at the DC Historic Preservation Office. She is the author of several books about historic places and communities, including, most recently, Hidden Alleyways of Washington, DC: A History (2023).
Founded in 1894, the DC History Center deepens understanding of our city’s past to connect, empower, and inspire. As the only community-based nonprofit focused on the District’s history, our vision is to engage with neighborhoods across DC and elevate the stories of Washington’s diverse people, communities, and institutions. The DC History Center’s collection is focused on local DC as opposed to federal Washington but encompasses the city limits and areas that have a direct relationship to individuals, locations, and events within the District, including historical connections with Maryland and Virginia. We are the caretakers of these materials, donated by families, organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, and other communities that comprise Washington, DC.
Author John DeFerrari
Moderator Kim Prothro Williams