By Lauren Kotkin, Exponent Philanthropy

Like many people, places, and things in Washington, D.C., our 2014 National Conference hotel, the Washington Hilton, has its own Wikipedia page. You can read about its architect, current owner, and historic events that occurred at the hotel. It even shares the hotel’s nickname, the Hinckley Hilton, referencing John Hinckley, Jr.’s attempt to assassinate President Reagan as he exited the hotel 33 years ago.

Not only does the conference hotel boast a history, but the neighborhoods around the hotel do as well. Until the late 1800s, everything north of Dupont Circle was rural. In fact, Grover and Francis Cleveland bought a home in what is now called Cleveland Park, one mile up Connecticut Avenue, at a time when the area was still “sprawling farmland with views of the distant Potomac.”

The District has a rich history of growth and change that many visitors miss and that continues today.

At this fall’s 2014 National Conference, we will offer one-hour Early Riser Walks with conversation each morning—another way for participants to connect with and learn from our host city. 

On Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31, Washington Walks will lead 7:00am walks with an eye toward history. On Thursday, the walk will go west of the hotel, to the Sheridan-Kalorama Historic District, which boasts embassies and a former home of Woodrow Wilson. On Friday, walkers will head east/northeast of the hotel into the Kalorama Triangle Historic District, where varied architectural styles appealed to a range of tastes as city development extended northward from downtown and the Mall.

On Saturday, November 1, at 7:00am, a guide from Coalition for Smarter Growth will lead walkers through Adams Morgan, east of the hotel. The area is still a vibrant entertainment district, despite recent competition from revitalizing neighborhoods, with its own history and unique name. The guide will offer information and spark conversation around bike sharing, making more room for buses, and explosive growth.

Sometimes the best conversations, like history, happen in unexpected places. Comfortable shoes recommended!

Join an anticipated 1,000 peers at the 2014 National Conference

Related posts

Learn With Peers at the 2014 National Conference

What Does It Take to Rebuild a Neighborhood? 2014 National Conference Site Sessions

Senior Program Director Lauren Kotkin plans a range of educational programs for the Exponent Philanthropy community, including conferences, webinars, and conference calls. She also dedicates a portion of her time to managing our resources on investments. Previously, she worked at the Council on Foundations in the Family Foundation Services department. Lauren holds an undergraduate degree from Duke University and an M.Ed. from Lesley University, with a focus on using arts in education.